Brussels Hydropower Day 2026
 

Event information

Registrations are now open for the 4th Brussels Hydropower Day 2026, organised by ETIP HYDROPOWER and taking place on 8 September 2026 in Brussels (BIP Meeting Center). 

This year’s edition will focus on the role of digitalisation in strengthening Europe’s energy security and system resilience. In the context of an evolving energy and geopolitical landscape, discussions will examine how hydropower can enhance flexibility, optimise the use of domestic resources, and reduce exposure to price volatility.

Bringing together policymakers, industry representatives, researchers, and civil society, the event will connect technological innovation with policy and investment priorities, contributing to informed decision-making for a clean, competitive, and secure European energy system.

The programme will specifically aim to:

• Reinforce hydropower’s role as a strategic pillar of a clean, flexible, and resilient energy system
• Explore how digitalisation accelerates flexibility, sustainability, and system security
• Showcase Europe as a hub for hydropower innovation and highlight the strength of its supply chain
• Increase the visibility and impact of European funded projects
• Contribute evidence-based insights to EU policy and programming processes
• Support the development of strategic recommendations and position papers
• Foster dialogue across policy, industry, and research communities

This edition is organised in partnership with the Di-Hydro, iAMP-Hydro, H-HOPE and SHERPA projects.

More information on the agenda and registration is available: https://luma.com/kl9liltc  

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13th ICOLD European Club Symposium FACING CURRENT CHALLENGES FOR DAMS Polish Committee on Large Dams (POLCOLD) is happy to invite You to the 13th ICOLD European Club Symposium, which will be held from the 21st to the 25th of September 2026 in Bydgoszcz, Poland. During this meeting we will celebrate CFBR/French-COLD 100th anniversary, founded in 1926.

The seminar will focus particularly on water management conditions, the most common operational problems, maintenance, failures and other events, including extreme weather phenomena. It will be a great opportunity to exchange European experience and knowledge of dam engineering and levees.

One of the afternoon sessions will be devoted to CFBR/French-COLD history and achievements. Together we will celebrate the anniversary with our French friends.

A visit to significant dams in the surrounding area of Bydgoszcz is planned for all participants. It will be a pleasure to present to you some examples of dams constructed in 1930’s as a part of a development program realized after regaining independence.

Important deadlines

• Registration opening: 15th, January 2026

• Abstract submission: 15th, February 2026

• Abstract acceptance: 15th, March 2026

• Full paper submission: 30th, April 2026

• Full paper acceptance: 30th, May 2026

Subjects and topics

Dams and reservoir safety management for people

- dam safety assessment, inspection and monitoring

- water management for people, drought and flood control

- risk assessment due to climate and social changes

- legal conditions and technical requirements for safe dams

- tourism, irrigation and other benefits of dams and reservoirs

- warning systems for dam surrounding

- failures - lessons learnt

Dams and Energy

- pump storage plants – construction and exploitation

- new technologies and solutions in waterpower

- exploitation of dams for waterpower

Dam Engineering and Construction

- dam aging problems and solutions applied – case studies

- construction repair technologies and materials

- reconstructions, expansions and development of old dams

- development of design methods

Levees and tailing dams

- levees and tailing dams monitoring and safety evaluation

- design methods development for levees

- tailing dam seismic resilience monitoring

- slurry and water management

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Message from the President

In 2026, Damsweek will be held in the city of Belém, in the state of Pará, located in the heart of the Amazon region, immediately after COP30 – the Conference of the Parties organized by the United Nations (UN). The event addressed and guided key themes of the global environmental agenda, including sustainable industrial development and water resources management, which are matters of particular relevance to dam engineering. 

The state of Pará is home to major water and tailings storage structures, including the Tucuruí and Belo Monte hydropower plants, as well as tailings disposal facilities operated by large mining companies. This context inspired CBDB to promote an event that brings these two fields of engineering closer together. 

With this vision, DAMSWEEK 2026 aims to provide a favorable environment for the exchange of ideas and for fostering the development of national engineering in support of safe and environmentally sustainable dams and tailings disposal structures. 

Damsweek 2026 will exceptionally host, within its program, INCA meeting (ICOLD National Committees of the Americas), which is the Regional Club of the International Commission on Large Dams (ICOLD) for the Americas—an organization dedicated to advancing in best scientific and technical practices related to the study, design, construction, operation, and maintenance of dams across the American continent. The international presence at the event will undoubtedly contribute to valuable knowledge to be exchanged among participants and will promote promising networking opportunities, supporting the integration of professionals and companies from the various participating countries.

To know more, visit the website

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The Euro-Mediterranean Water Forum will take place from 29 September to 2 October 2026 at La Nuvola in Rome, Italy.

The Forum will bring together policymakers, international organisations, civil society, researchers and businesses to address water security in the Mediterranean. It will combine high-level panels, talks, workshops, special sessions and an exhibition showcasing innovation in the water sector.

Its programme is structured around eleven thematic sessions and aims to strengthen cooperation among Mediterranean countries, the European Union, the Balkans and the Middle East.

Dates : 29 September–2 October 2026
Location : La Nuvola Convention and Exhibition Centre, Rome, Italy

View the official website

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Adapting to change - Embracing opportunities

Aqua-Media International is pleased to welcome the global hydropower and dams community to the elegant city of Bologna, Italy, on 14 - 16 October 2026, for three days of sessions, preceded by training workshops, and followed by technical tours.

Hydro 2026 Call for papers

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The 26th ICID International Congress and the 77th International Executive Council Meeting will take place from 12 to 17 October 2026 in Marseille, France.

Under the theme “Water and agricultural resilience in the face of climate change”, the congress will bring together researchers, engineers, institutions, public decision-makers, non-governmental organisations and representatives of civil society.

Discussions will address the agroecological transition, agricultural water-use efficiency, management and remote-sensing technologies, and non-conventional water resources. The opening day is 12 October.

Dates : 12–17 October 2026
Location : Palais des Congrès et des Expositions, Marseille, France

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The 2026 Annual Dam Safety Conference will take place from 21 to 23 October 2026 at Malaika Beach Resort in Mwanza, Tanzania.

Organised by Tanzania’s Ministry of Water, the Tanzania Chamber of Mines and City Engineering Co. Ltd, the conference theme is “Managing Critical Infrastructures for Dam Safety”.

The programme will cover the full life cycle of water and tailings dams, from design to decommissioning, with particular attention to structural integrity, environmental protection and water-resource management.

Dates : 21–23 October 2026
Location : Malaika Beach Resort, Mwanza, Tanzania

View the official website

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INVITATION

On behalf of the Australian National Committee on Large Dams (ANCOLD) Board and Local Organising Committee, I warmly invite you to the 2026 ANCOLD Conference in Nipaluna Hobart, Lutruwita Tasmania, between 26-28 October.

The conference will be held at the iconic Hotel Grand Chancellor on the Nipaluna Hobart waterfront, overlooking Constitution Dock. The conference theme is “Resilient Dams, Smart Futures”. This theme is intended to challenge participants to reflect on dams engineering and management from an holistic perspective, not just traditional engineering. Increasingly, dam and tailings storage facility ownership must adapt and evolve to blend traditional engineering and risk management, with meaningful approaches on sustainability and climate change, and understand the impacts and opportunities of new technologies such as artificial intelligence.

We expect over 500 delegates from around Australia and internationally, spanning all dams related industries, including irrigation and urban water, hydropower, mining, regulatory and consulting. Subject matter expert Keynote speakers are being sought on topics such as AI impacts on the engineering profession and infrastructure ownership, and there will be a full day workshop followed by two days of technical sessions providing opportunities to share your experiences and to learn from each other and industry specialists. The conference will be supported by a unique social program and conference tours to some of Lutruwita Tasmania’s most spectacular dams, ensuring it is the dam industry’s premier event of 2026.

Chris Topham
2026 ANCOLD Conference Convenor

View the website of the event

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COP31 will take place from 9 to 20 November 2026 at the Antalya EXPO Center in Türkiye.

The conference will bring together Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, observer States, international organisations and civil society. It will include the formal negotiations, the World Climate Action Summit, national pavilions and a wide range of side events.

The outgoing COP30 Presidency and incoming COP31 Presidency are working together to support an open, transparent and inclusive preparatory process.

Dates : 9–20 November 2026
Location : Antalya EXPO Center, Antalya, Türkiye

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The 2026 United Nations Water Conference will take place from 8 to 10 December 2026 at the ADNEC Exhibition Centre in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Co-hosted by the United Arab Emirates and Senegal, it aims to accelerate implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 6: ensuring the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.

The conference will focus on practical outcomes, including knowledge sharing, partnerships, investment, political commitments and technical solutions.

Dates : 8–10 December 2026
Location : ADNEC Exhibition Centre, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

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The 11th World Water Forum will take place from 21 to 25 March 2027 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Co-organised by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture and the World Water Council, the Forum will bring together governments, international organisations, local authorities, academia, civil society, youth and the private sector.

Under the theme “Action for a Better Tomorrow”, its political, thematic and regional processes will seek to turn commitments into practical solutions to global water challenges.

Dates : 21–25 March 2027
Location : Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

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The 2027 World Hydropower Congress will take place from 6 to 8 April 2027 in Sydney, Australia.

Organised by the International Hydropower Association, the flagship gathering will bring together leaders from government, finance, industry and civil society to advance policy and solutions for sustainable hydropower and the transition to net zero.

The Sydney edition will highlight Australian innovation, pumped storage and the transformation of the energy system.

Dates : 6–8 April 2027
Location : Sydney, Australia

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The 2nd MENA Dams Conference will take place on 7–8 April 2027 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

The regional event will bring together government ministries, water and power utilities, dam owners and operators, contractors, engineering consultants, research institutions and technology providers.

Discussions will cover dams and reservoirs, water security, flood management, hydropower, pumped storage, dam safety, smart monitoring and climate resilience.

Dates : 7–8 April 2027
Location : Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

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The 95th Annual Meeting of ICOLD will be held May 21–28, 2027, at the Daejeon Convention Center in the Republic of Korea. The week will bring together national committees, technical committees, young professionals, and international experts in dams, levees, hydraulic structures, and water infrastructure.

The international symposium will focus on the theme “Water, Energy, and Society: The Evolving Role of Dams in a Changing World.” The program will also include technical sessions, site visits, and professional activities.

Dates : Du 21 au 28 mai 2027
Location: Daejeon Convention Center, Daejeon, Republic of Korea

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Initial Bulletin

Programme:

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The 42nd IAHR World Congress will take place from 28 June to 2 July 2027 in Bari, Italy.

Under the theme “Drive the Change: Management in the Era of Digital Water & Transitions”, it will bring together researchers, practitioners, engineers, policymakers and students to address major challenges in hydro-environment engineering.

The programme will cover climate-change adaptation, resilience to water-related hazards, the energy transition, food security, nature and digital transformation. The main scientific sessions will be held at The Nicolaus Hotel, with the opening ceremony at Teatro Petruzzelli.

Dates : 28 June–2 July 2027
Location : Bari, Italy

View the official website

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