The International Commission on Large Dams (ICOLD) is preparing to hold its 28^th Congress and 93^rd Annual Meeting in Chengdu, China, from 16 to 23 May 2025.

China's pivotal role

China, often referred to as the ‘land of dams’, has a vast hydroelectric network that plays a vital role in achieving the country's energy and environmental goals. For any dam engineer, a visit to China offers an unrivalled insight into some of the world's most important hydropower projects.

Principal projects to visit

Participants will have the opportunity to take part in five pre-conference study tours and six post-conference study tours. These visits will showcase a variety of Chinese dams, including some of the most advanced and renowned structures:

• Three Gorges Dam (2012): The largest hydroelectric project in the world with a capacity of 22,500 MW.
• Baihetan dam (2021): The second largest hydroelectric power station, with a capacity of 16,000 MW.

During their stay in Chengdu, participants can also explore the city's rich cultural and natural attractions:

• Giant pandas: Visit the Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Research Base to see these beloved animals up close.
• Cuisine: indulge in the famous spicy cuisine of Sichuan, known for its bold flavours and unique dishes.
• Cultural sites: Discover historic sites such as the Wuhou sanctuary and the lively Jinli street.
• Natural landscapes: Admire the picturesque beauty of Qingcheng Mountain and the ancient Dujiangyan irrigation system.

For dam engineers, this event is not just a conference, but a complete experience combining professional development and cultural enrichment. Don't miss the opportunity to take part in this important gathering at the heart of China's hydropower industry.

A SCIENTIFIC CONFERENCE

Every three years, the Congress is a high point in the life of the ICOLD. The four issues to be debated were chosen at the General Assembly in Göteborg (2023). After the Congress, the publication of the academic debates is considered a reference among dam engineers. In Chengdu, the discussions will focus on : 
 

• Dams and reservoirs for climate change adaptation 

• Dams and levees fit for the future 

• Safety of dams and levees facing extreme hydrological events
• Earthquake performance and safety of dams 

Register to Chengdu! 

https://www.icold-cigb2025.com

With climate change, flood protection provided by dams will be ever more important.

Prague (July 5 2017)

Climate change is impacting the variability of water resources with more severe and frequent droughts and/or more flood. To lessen the consequences of those events, Dams and Reservoirs are the most efficient solution. That is adaptation. For example, Dams are an essential tool for protecting the populations against the disastrous floods, like those affecting the Czech Republic in 2002 and 2013 with terrible consequences.

Climate change also makes urgent the need to develop clean (carbon-free) energies to meet growing needs for power. Fortunately, solar and wind energies are becoming competitive and will be largely developed, provided there is enough energy storage to compensate for their intermittence. The only solution available today for massive storage at a reasonable price is to use reservoirs associated with pumped power stations. Hydropower is also a clean energy in itself. That is mitigation.

The services provided by dams (irrigation, hydropower production, water storage, flood protection, leisure…) are equally important for developed and developing countries. In Prague General Assembly, ICOLD will welcome three new countries in its family: Angola, Afghanistan and Bhutan. Thus reaching the mark of 100 country members.

ICOLD is working hard to disseminate knowledge through the work of its technical committees, the Science Congresses and Symposiums it organizes. Exemplary of this is the Symposium organized by the Czech National Committee on Large Dams today, on “knowledge-base dam engineering”.

You will find photos of the 85 Annual Meeting on Social Medias:

https://www.facebook.com/icoldcigb

https://www.instagram.com/icoldcigb/

Tags : Presse - Press

L'objectif des conférences régionales pour l'AFRIQUE, organisées conjointement par Aqua~Media International et la CIGB, en collaboration avec le gouvernement du Ghana, est de réunir un groupe d'experts de toutes les parties du monde pour se concentrer sur des questions d'intérêt spécifique pour l'Afrique, dans le domaine du stockage de l'eau et du développement de l'hydroélectricité.

La collaboration transfrontalière pour les projets transfrontaliers, les sites difficiles et la résilience climatique, ainsi que le renforcement des capacités et la formation, sont des sujets qui figurent toujours en bonne place à l'ordre du jour.

Le programme technique bénéficiera d'une forte contribution des membres du bureau et des comités nationaux de la CIGB, de l'AUDA-NEPAD, de l'AIE-Hydro, des principales institutions financières internationales, de l'Autorité de la rivière Volta et de l'Autorité de l'énergie de Bui.

Les délégués internationaux et les personnes qui les accompagnent se retrouveront dans un cadre magnifique pour trois jours de sessions, précédées d'ateliers et de séminaires de formation et suivies de visites d'installations hydroélectriques. Il y aura également de nombreuses possibilités de réseautage et des excursions culturelles.

Brochure (en anglais)

Website of the event (en anglais)

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