Nonlinear weirs are attractive to practitioners as in some cases they provide a hydro-economical solution for new and rehabilitation projects. To academia, they remain a topic of interest due to a combination of the complex flow patterns they generate and the wide range of relevant geometries and application scenarios in rivers, dams, and other water resources applications with research topics including discharge efficiency, aeration, energy dissipation, local scour, driftwood and ice, and flow instabilities.

Following three editions held in Europe and Asia (Liège, Belgium in 2011; Paris, France in 2013 and Qui Nhon, Vietnam in 2017), the 4th international workshop on Labyrinth and PKW moves to the United States, where several labyrinth and PKW prototypes coexist. As for the three previous editions, the workshop aims at bringing together people with varied background (engineers, researchers,...) to present and summarize the latest knowledge and developments on these non conventional hydraulic structures.

Special emphasis will be put on planned and existing projects, data from real structures operation but also latest research developments. High level papers selected by the International Scientific Committee and presented during the workshop will be published in a hard cover book before the conference. The workshop environment would be friendly, cooperative and non-competitive with a priority on information quality and knowledge exchange.

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See the website of the event

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Event: 3rd International Conference on Dam Safety Management and Engineering (ICDSME2025)

Date: 4–7 November 2025
Venue: Pullman Hotel, Kuching, Sarawak
 

Theme: Dam Safety: Energy Transition & Water Transformation

About the Conference:

ICDSME2025 aims to bring together leading professionals, industry experts, academics, and scientists from around the globe to discuss and share insights on dam safety management, emerging technological advancements, and sustainable practices in the sector. The conference will feature keynote and parallel sessions, training workshops, exhibitions, and technical tours, providing a comprehensive platform for knowledge exchange and networking.

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ABOUT THE CONFERENCE

India and Bhutan have a long-standing exemplary partnership in hydroelectric development, based on mutual trust, shared Himalayan resources and a common commitment to clean and sustainable energy. Over the decades, the two countries have successfully collaborated in the planning, construction and operation of world-class hydropower projects that serve as regional benchmarks for excellence and cooperation. To build on this legacy and explore new avenues for sustainable, resilient and cooperative hydropower development, a two-day international conference is being organised on 20 and 21 November 2025 in Bhutan. This event will bring together policy makers, planners, technical experts, researchers and representatives of leading organisations from India, Bhutan, neighbouring countries and other member countries of the International Commission on Large Dams (ICOLD).
The conference aims to serve as a dynamic platform for technical exchanges, where participants can share best practices from successful projects, discuss challenges and opportunities in complex and transboundary contexts, explore innovative solutions throughout the hydropower value chain, from planning and design to operation, maintenance and grid integration, and foster deeper regional cooperation in the field of renewable energy development and water resource management.
This international gathering will not only celebrate the rich collaboration between India and Bhutan, but also help shape the future of hydropower in the region and beyond, aligning with global goals for climate resilience and energy transition.

Dates and location

The conference will be held on 20 and 21 November 2025 (Thursday and Friday) at Dungkar Dzong, Paro, Bhutan. Optional field trip on 22 November 2025. Punatsangchu-I Hydroelectric Project

Main theme of the conference:

Sustainable hydropower development in the Himalayas: India-Bhutan partnership for a green future Sub-themes for discussion include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Regional cooperation for energy security through hydroelectricity

• Policy frameworks supporting regional hydropower growth

Cross-border infrastructure: transport, trade and integration

• Financing models and public-private partnerships in hydroelectric development

Innovative technologies in the design and construction of hydroelectric projects

• Pumped storage for balancing renewable energies

Best operating and maintenance practices for mountainous regions

• Resilience, risk assessment and adaptation to climate change

• Environmental and social sustainability in hydroelectric development

• Human resources development and knowledge sharing

Call for papers

Technical professionals, researchers, project developers and institutions are invited to submit original articles related to the conference themes. Articles may include case studies, research findings, project experiences or policy analyses.

Deadlines for abstract/paper submission:

• Deadline for abstract submission: 15 October 2025

• Notification of acceptance: 20th October 2025

• Submission of full papers: 10 November 2025

• Submission of PPT (presentation): 15 November 2025

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Dams and Sustainability

Committee T of ICOLD has planned a series of webinars dedicated to the sustainability of dams in their full life cycle. The first webinar aimed to define the content and what should be addressed in the development of future work. The video of this Webinar#1 is now available here.

DAMS & SUSTAINABILITY ICOLD Webinar #1 - 29/05/2024

PROGRAM

• Webinar presentation Michel Lino (President of ICOLD)
• Introduction. Objectives & Purpose Luc Deroo (ICOLD TC-T) Francisco Ortega (ICOLD TC-P)
• The framework: SDGs Francisco Ortega (ICOLD TC-P)
• Dams and the environment (social and ecological aspects beyond CHG) Peter Amos (ICOLD TC-G)
• The sustainability of concrete dams Marco Conrad (ICOLD TC-D)
• The LCA method. An example Joachim Verdier (Lhoist Group)
• Accounting externalities and short/long term analysis Lamis Aljounaidi (PIA)
• Various levels of ambition, perimeters and metrics Luc Deroo (ICOLD TC-T)
• Q&A Session
• Moderation Steve Usher (HP&D)

Webinar #2 just released - 07 May 2025

This second Webinar is intended to introduce the general principles of a Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment (LCSA) methodology. The LCSA comprises not only environmental LCA, but also social and economic life cycle cost assessment. ICOLD has invited a distinguished group of experts to present the key components of the LCSA and examples of how it is applied in other sectors, with the aim of adapting it to dams and reservoirs.

The webinar features the following presentations:

• Webinar presentation - Luc Deroo & Francisco Ortega (TC-T of ICOLD)
• General introduction to LCSA with a focus on dam-specific aspects - Sonia Valdivia (World Resources Forum)
• Sustainability criteria from the perspective of funding institutions - Nicholas Zmijewski (World Bank)
• Tools and methods of the Hydropower Sustainability Standard (HSS) that are applicable to dams and reservoirs - Kimberly Lyon (World Bank / HSA Council Chair)
• Sustainability framework for earthworks - Jean-Pierre Magnan (EU Working Group on Sustainable Earthworks)
• Life cycle cost assessment of dams - Alena Raymond (AmSpec)
• Biodiversity footprint and LCA: Case studies and analyses - Bonaventure Fontanier (EDF)
• Social Life Cycle Assessment (S-LCA): An example from the mining sector - Isabel Wolf (Technical University of Berlin)

!! NEW !! Webinar #3- GHG Emissions from Dams & Reservoirs

November 20, 2025 1pm - 3pm (CET) Free event

To pre-register, please send an email with your name, country and affiliation to dams.sustainability@icold-cigb.org

This Webinar #3 will focus on calculating greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions throughout the life cycle of dams. GHG emissions are the main cause of global climate change. Researching and calculating GHG emissions is essential to identifying potential areas for emissions reduction in all human activities, including dams. ICOLD has invited a distinguished group of speakers to present this important topic, beginning with a general introduction and then moving on to more specific aspects related to GHG emissions associated with dams and reservoirs.

View the flyer

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94th Annual Meeting   ICOLD Mexico 2026   21 to 29 May 2026   Guadalajara, Mexico

The ICOLD 2026 event will be held at the iconic Expo Guadalajara. This emblematic space, located in one of the most vibrant cities in Mexico, offers cutting-edge facilities that include large-capacity convention halls, spacious exhibition pavilions, an auditorium designed to accommodate thousands of attendees, and specific areas for holding cultural events.

Strategically located in the center of Guadalajara, the venue offers accessibility and comfort for both national and international attendees. Its modern facilities include VIP lounges, meeting areas with cutting-edge technology, five-star catering services and an underground parking lot with capacity for thousands of vehicles. This center is the ideal setting for an event of the magnitude of ICOLD 2026, prepared to welcome visitors with the hospitality and grandeur that Mexico has to offer at all times.

Symposium: Water, Energy, and Society: The Evolving Role of Dams in a Changing World

The International Commission on Large Dams (ICOLD) invites dam, levee, hydraulic structures, and water infrastructure professionals, engineers, planning, researchers, policymakers, and industry experts to submit abstracts for its 2026 International Symposium in Guadalajara, Mexico. The International Symposium is scheduled to be held on May 26 and May 27, 2026, as part of the ICOLD Annual Meeting.

The Call for abstracts is now available.

The abstract submission deadline is October 10, 2025.

You can find the call and submission form on the official website:

www.icoldmexico2026.com

Direct links:

call for abstracts

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