HYDRO 2026

Bologna, Italy ~ 14-16 October 2026
Adapting to change ~ Embracing opportunities

Dear Colleagues and Friends

Abstracts from all around the world are arriving at an impressive rate for HYDRO 2026, which will take place in the elegant and serene city of Bologna, northern Italy, in October this year. The conference and exhibition, with the theme ‘Adapting to change—Embracing opportunities,’ will be a forum for hydropower experts from all parts of the world to discuss the current potential, priorities, challenges, and achievements in advancing conventional and pumped-storage hydro, both playing a vital role in the global energy transition. The latest information about the event can be found on our website here.

If you or a colleague would like your voice to be heard by participants from more than 70 nations by sharing your expertise and experience in a presentation in one of the sessions, then the Call for Papers brochure can be found here. The deadline for submitting abstracts is approaching rapidly: 16 March. Please make sure to follow the guidelines on the final page of the brochure when submitting an abstract—thank you.

Some of the key technical topics on the agenda are safety of hydraulic infrastructure; the increasing importance of pumped storage to support all forms of renewable energy development and ensure stable grid operation; innovations in machinery design; wide-ranging applications of artificial intelligence; and, maintenance and upgrading of hydro plants and civil works.

Other important session topics will include project finance; legal and contractual issues; climate change resilience; natural hazard management; environmental aspects, including sedimentation management and fish protection; social aspects; and capacity building.

Social networking events and tours arranged for delegates and accompanying persons will provide opportunities for participants to experience some examples of Bologna’s cultural heritage: stunning palaces, arcades, and historical landmarks.

The HYDRO 2026 Exhibition is nearly fully booked, but there are still some stands available. Those wishing to book a stand can do so via the exhibition plan on our website here or should get in touch as soon as possible.

For any enquiries about the HYDRO 2026 conference programme and abstracts, please contact Summer Logarta at: Hydro2026@hydropower-dams.com
For enquiries about the HYDRO 2026 Exhibition or to book a stand, please contact Seumas Grey or Huw Ellis via: Sales@hydropower-dams.com

We hope to welcome you in Bologna in October.

With kind regards from
the Aqua-Media conference team