Pumped storage, sediment management and early project involvement were at the center of three days of technical exchange with more than 1,300 participants from over 70 countries.
HYDRO 2026 brought together more than 1,300 participants from over 70 countries in Bologna, Italy, from October 14 to 16, 2026. The HYDRO International Conference and Exhibition remains a key industry forum for experience sharing and discussion on the role of hydropower in the energy transition. Three days of sessions were preceded by training workshops and framed by pre- and post-conference study tours.
Our contribution at a glance
- Pre-workshop on pumped storage, led by Peter Angerer
- Three technical presentations across the Pumped Storage, Hydraulic Machinery and Fish Protection sessions
- Small hydro session chaired by Pierre Duflon
- A 24 m²-booth for project discussions with customers, consultants and partners
- Sponsorship of the Welcome Reception, attended by more than 750 guests
- Participation in the networking reception on the exhibition floor
Key topics
Pumped storage: Running projects, potential projects, technical solutions and small, decentralized pumped-storage concepts were among the most discussed topics.
Early contractor involvement (ECI): The ECI concept supports faster project realization and an earlier check of whether the right solution makes a project viable.
Sedimentation: Sediment handling is a strong topic in Italy, driven by the license renewals of existing plants.
Our Technical Presentations
| Speaker | Paper | Date | Session |
| Mr. Frederik Bubel | The Forbach pumped-storage plant in southern Germany: A case study | October 14, 2026 | Pumped Storage II (No. 17) |
| Dr. Alois Lechner | Surge tank dimensioning for stable constant power generation | October 14, 2026 | Hydraulic Machinery II (No. 7) |
| Mr. Pedro Romero-Gomez | Re-conceptualization of a Kaplan turbine for safer downstream fish passage: Design and field verification | October 16, 2026 | Fish Protection I (No. 35) |
Welcome Reception and networking
ANDRITZ sponsored the Welcome Reception at a historic palazzo in Bologna, which welcomed more than 750 guests. The evening opened with a welcome address by Stefano Rizzi, Managing Director, ANDRITZ Hydropower Italy. ANDRITZ also took part in the networking reception on the exhibition floor, bringing the community together beyond the sessions.
Why HYDRO matters for us
HYDRO 2026 offered a strong platform for networking across the hydropower community and for raising brand awareness, particularly through our role as sponsor of the Welcome Reception. Dedicated face-to-face project discussions between sales, marketing, business development and our audiences turned the event into concrete next steps.
Continue the conversation
Our hydropower experts are ready to discuss your next project, from pumped storage to fish-friendly turbine design and beyond.
