News & Events

Although opinions differ, it is generally accepted that the Upper Midwest of the U.S. is the birthplace of modern hydropower. The first hydropower plant to operate was installed in Michigan in 1880, and in 1882, the first hydro facility to serve private and commercial customers began operating in Wisconsin.

In recognition of the widely acknowledged studies that show that organizations with gender equality perform better financially, this year POWERGEN International, along with partner UL, is launching a new awards program that seeks out women of good character.

The Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, recently announced funding for the Aboriginal Fund for Species at Risk and the Habitat Stewardship Program for Species at Risk.

Submissions are rolling in, but to ensure we have the best content available for HYDROVISION International, we have extended the deadline to submit abstracts by one week, to Sept. 4. The original deadline was Aug. 28.

David Murray, chief operating officer of Hydro-Quebec and president of Hydro-Quebec Production, was a keynote speaker at HydroVision International 2019, where he gave an engaging presentation on environmental challenges and the role of hydropower in keeping our electricity green and low-cost.

Ontario Power Generation’s 92-MW Caribou Falls Generating Station is undergoing a major overhaul to correct erosion at its Block Dam #2.

An investigation by Quebec’s Ministry of the Environment and the Fight against Climate Change has determined that recent fish kills in the Lievre and Ottawa rivers were caused by dissolved gas supersaturation.

This article presents several methods that can be used to transport RCC mix vertically, when building large dams in steep valleys.

During the opening keynote session at HydroVision International 2019, two videos were shown that provided answers to four important questions, around how hydro associations worldwide are working to advance and support the industry.

The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) are jointly ramping up efforts to fight climate change by promoting the widespread adoption and sustainable use of renewable energy.

We have opened up our call for abstracts for HYDROVISION International 2020 (Already, I know!), so now is your chance to contribute to this world’s largest hydro industry event.

Last week at the HydroVision International plenary session, a panel of three CEOs — Darrel T. Anderson, President and CEO IDACORP and Idaho Power, Mitch Davidson, CEO and Managing Partner, Brookfield Renewable Power, and Paul Jacob, President and CEO, Rye Development — along with moderator Elizabeth Ingram, Content Director, Clarion Energy, discussed both the merits and the challenges of hydropower development in the United States and Canada.

In what it is calling “the largest clean energy investment by a First Nation in BC History, The Tahltan Nation in northwest British Columbia, Canada, has purchased 5% of three hydroelectric facilities in the province.

Four outstanding members of the hydropower sector were recognized by their peers earlier today during the Women with Hydro Vision luncheon, which took place as part of HydroVision International 2018 in Portland.  

On Tuesday, July 23 at the HydroVision International keynote, Vice President Marla Barnes asked the audience to close their eyes and envision their next vacation. “Are you sitting on a beach? Are you packing your family into the car for a wild adventure? What do you see,” she asked.

The HydroVision International event is now under way in the Oregon Convention Center in Portland, with more than 3,000 hydropower professionals from around the world coming together for four days of learning and networking.

The International Hydropower Association (IHA) has appointed Eddie Rich as its new chief executive officer, to replace Richard M. Taylor, who is stepping down.

As the content director for HydroVision International – the world’s largest hydro industry event – most of my time is spent working with our two committees and others in the industry to come up with the best, latest, most needed information to share with attendees.

Plans are under way to rebuild one of Ontario Power Generation’s oldest hydroelectric generating stations, which was damaged by a tornado in 2018. Constructed in 1917, the 5-MW Calabogie Generating Station has produced renewable, low-cost electricity on the Madawaska River for decades.

Clarion Energy’s Teresa Hansen, vice president of global content, for a webcast Wednesday  will be making some important announcements regarding this year’s event in New Orleans. Hansen also will offer key details on content, the exhibit floor and resources available to attendees.

HydroVision International can’t happen without the support of many people in the global hydroelectric power industry, and 2019 has some strong support. Whether that comes in the form of monetary support by our sponsors or support with the content from industry associations and organizations, it is all invaluable.

Eighteen hydropower sector leaders from around the world have been elected to the board of the International Hydropower Association (IHA).

A major strength of HydroVision International is its learning opportunities. With 65 separate educational sessions spread out over three days, there’s something for everybody and ample opportunity to expand your knowledge and understanding of the industry.

The Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities has issued an order approving long-term contracts for 9,554,940 MWh annually of hydropower between H.Q. Energy Services (U.S.) Inc. and the Commonwealth’s electric distribution companies through the New England Clean Energy Connect 100% Hydro project (NECEC Hydro).

Ontario Power Generation (OPG) has entered into an agreement to acquire Cube Hydro, an operator of small and medium-sized hydropower facilities in the northeast and southeast U.S.

Mark off two important dates and times on your schedule while you’re at HydroVision International: The opening keynote session and the power producer executive roundtable plenary session.

Before you arrive at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland, Ore., U.S., next month, make sure you’ve downloaded the HydroVision International app. This app is the best, most up-to-date place to get information on all of the exciting activities at this event.

Crown provincial utility Hydro-Quebec is announcing an investment of $612,877,000 to refurbish the 204-MW Rapide-Blanc generating station in the Mauricie region of Quebec, Canada.  

Worldwide, the renewable energy technologies sector employed 11 million people at the end of 2018, according to the Renewable Energy and Jobs – Annual Review 2019 from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).

The Young Professionals Program at HydroVision International 2019 is designed to encourage pre- and post-graduates to attend the event and become more engaged in the hydropower industry.

Connor, Clark & Lunn Infrastructure (CC&L Infrastructure) has completed its acquisition of a majority interest in Bremner Trio Hydro Corp. and the closing of a $197 million debt financing for the construction of two hydro projects with its equity partners, Greengen Holdings Ltd. and Sts'ailes Energy Development Limited Partnership.

“Recognizing leaders in the power and energy industry not only gives us the opportunity to celebrate them and the projects that they are involved in, it also enables us to learn vital business and life lessons from these often exceptional individuals. We find out what makes them tick, what frustrates them and the processes they follow to address challenges – this is often inspiring, eye-opening stuff and cannot but contribute to the growth of the sector.“

Although hydropower generation increased by more than 3% in 2018, capacity additions declined for the fifth consecutive year, putting hydroelectricity “off track” with the Sustainable Development Scenarios.

The global weighted average cost of electricity from all commercially available renewable power generation technologies declined year-on-year in 2018, with hydropower dropping by 12%, according to Renewable Power Generation Costs in 2018.

Innergex Renewable Energy Inc., the Pituvik Landholding Corporation and Hydro-Quebec have agreed to build the 7.5-MW Innavik Project, a run-of-river hydroelectric generating station on the Inukjuak River near Inukjuak, Nunavik, in northern Quebec.

It's almost time for HydroVision International, which means it's time for you to help us select this year's t-shirt design.

The International Hydropower Association has announced the winners of its Young Researcher Award, Mosonyi Award for Excellence in Hydropower, and Blue Planet Prize.

The International Hydropower Association (IHA) has launched The Hydropower Sector Climate Resilience Guide, technical guidance to help the hydropower industry become more resilient to the impacts of climate change.

In 2018, global energy investment stabilized at over US$1.8 trillion after three years of decline, according to the World Energy Investment 2019 report from the International Energy Agency. 

The WWF and The Nature Conservancy have released a report that “demonstrates how the renewable energy revolution can solve the world’s climate and energy challenge without sacrificing its remaining free-flowing rivers and the diverse benefits they provide to people and nature.”

The International Hydropower Association’s World Hydropower Congress kicked off in Paris on Tuesday, May 14, with many of the plenary speakers discussing how hydro fits in a systems approach to a low-carbon economy.

More than 21.8 gigawatts (GW) of renewable hydroelectric capacity was put into operation last year, according to the 2019 Hydropower Status Report which is published today on the eve of the World Hydropower Congress.

This week in Seattle, Washington, Senate Bill 5116 was signed into law in by Governor Jay Inslee after passing the state legislature earlier this month. This bill cuts out coal power by 2025 and requires an equitable transition to 100 percent clean electricity for the entire state by 2045.

Francis Makhanu, chief energy planner with Kenya Electricity Generating Company (Kengen) is speaking during a session in the New Development track at HydroVision International 2019.

Renewables around the world added the same amount of net capacity in 2018 as they did in 2017, according to data from International Energy Agency, indicating “an unexpected flattening of growth trends that raises concerns about meeting long-term climate goals.”

The International Hydropower Association’s World Hydropower Congress is coming up May 14 through 16 in Paris, with a special focus on hydropower’s role in delivering on the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals, under the theme “The Power of Water in a Sustainable, Interconnected World.”

One of the strengths of serving as a gathering place for more than 3,000 hydropower professionals from around the world is the opportunity to offer a wide array of what we call co-located events.

The government of Quebec has issued a risk of dam failure alert related to the Rouge River downstream of Chute-Bell dam. The government has directed people in the affected area to evacuate immediately, effective yesterday afternoon.

As HydroVision International 2019 approaches -- scheduled for July 23 through 25 in Portland, Ore., U.S. -- make sure you take advantage of all of its benefits, which includes earning 14 professional development hours (PDH).

Utilities and other energy experts convene each year at DISTRIBUTECH International (DTECH) to discuss the future of energy and this week Clarion Energy, organizer of the event, announced that the call for abstracts for the 2020 event is open.

SNC-Lavalin has received the Award of Excellence (Energy & Industry) from the Association of Consulting Engineering Companies British Columbia (ACEC-BC) for its work on BC Hydro’s John Hart Generating Station Replacement Project.

Qualifying members of the hydroelectric power sector are again eligible to take part in the Power Producer Training Program, giving them discounted access to HydroVision International 2019.

Fortis Inc. has completed the sale of its 51% interest in the 335-MW Waneta Expansion Hydroelectric Project in British Columbia, Canada, to Columbia Power Corporation (CPC) and Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) for about $1 billion.

Microsoft Corp. announces two agreements with Chelan County Public Utility District (PUD) to “boost clean energy and connectivity in Washington state.” Under the agreements, Microsoft will receive carbon-free electricity, in the form of hydropower, to power its Puget Sound campuses, and will partner with the PUD on broadband connectivity in Chelan County.  

This year’s HydroVision International event will be buzzing about marine energy, with a full day of learning in the Marine Energy Symposium and a special gathering place in the exhibit hall – the Marine Energy Marketplace.

The executive directors of the World Bank have selected David R. Malpass to be the new president of the World Bank Group, for a five-year term that began April 9.

Mitch Davidson, chief executive officer with Brookfield Renewable Power, is speaking during the Thursday morning plenary session at HydroVision International 2019. Davidson oversees the company’s U.S. business.

There are a total of about 530,000 potentially feasible pumped hydro energy storage sites worldwide, with a total storage potential of about 22 million GWh. These astonishing numbers come from a report recently released by Professor Andrew Blakers and other researchers with Australian National University’s RE100 Group.

In 2018, 171 GW of renewable energy capacity was added globally, according to new data released by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). Of this annual increase of 7.9%, solar and wind energy accounted for 84% of the growth. Thanks to this increase, a third of global power capacity is now based on renewable energy, IRENA says.  

Each month Facebook releases a “Topics to Watch” list of “which topics of conversation on Facebook are on the cusp of going mainstream,” and hydroelectricity made the list for January.

There is a growing need to use Africa’s vast hydro potential -- whether pumped storage hydroelectric, run-of-river, or small hydropower systems -- to boost reliability of power in remote areas, and specifically for the mining industry.

TransAlta Corporation recently announced an investment by Brookfield Renewable Partners and its institutional partners that “crystalizes the value of its Hydro Assets, enhances its financial position to execute its strategy, and accelerates the opportunity to return capital to shareholders.”

Make plans now to attend HydroVision International 2019, and register by April 30 save $150 off the full conference delegate registration cost.

Clean Energy British Columbia has issued an information bulletin and report in response to the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources report issued Feb. 14 that said Crown provincial utility BC Hydro overpaid for electricity obtained through purchase agreements.

Connor, Clark & Lunn Infrastructure (CC&L Infrastructure) and Regime de Rentes du Mouvement Desjardins, Desjardins Financial Security Life Assurance Company, and Certas Home and Auto Insurance Company (together, Desjardins) have acquired Regional Power Inc. from The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company (Manulife).

Jessica Harrison, director of research and development at MISO (Midcontinent Independent System Operator), is speaking during a session in the Market Trends and Asset Strategies track at HydroVision International 2019.

In a new report, the Office of the Auditor General of British Columbia said that Canadian provincial utility BC Hydro is effectively managing cybersecurity risk by detecting and responding to incidents on the parts of its electric power system covered by mandatory reliability standards, but components that don’t fall under the mandatory standards may be vulnerable to cybersecurity threats and should be monitored.

The Canadian Hydropower Association is changing its name to WaterPower Canada (WPC) “to reflect the organization's commitment to provide clear and effective messaging to stakeholders and the public,” according to a press release.

What’s happening in the North American hydroelectric power industry, in a nutshell? Below are four important areas of hydropower activity in the U.S. and Canada.

PacifiCorp has signed on to be the host utility for HydroVision International 2019, which will be located in Portland, Ore., U.S., this July.

Sustainable Marine Energy (SME) announces it has satisfied the requirements set out by the Canadian Department of Fisheries and Oceans to commence operation of tidal turbines on the PLAT-I platform installed in Grand Passage, Nova Scotia, Canada.

The HydroVision International 2019 conference program is now available online, providing an inside look at the topics being discussed at the world's largest hydro event.

Stan Marshall, president and chief executive officer of Nalcor Energy, has announced changes to the company’s executive leadership team, which he says will allow Nalcor Energy “to continue to focus on the successful completion of the Muskrat Falls Project; to prepare the provincial electricity system for integration of Muskrat Falls power; and to have clear focus on our regulated business (Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro).”

A report says BC Hydro’s power purchases from independent power producers, starting in 2002, were flawed, with the utility buying too much energy and energy with the wrong profile and paying too much for the energy it bought.

What’s a hot topic in the global hydropower industry right now?