The International Journal on Hydropower & Dams: HYDRO 2009

Key themes for the programme have been drawn up on the basis of feedback from our International Steering Committee, and participants of HYDRO 2008 in Ljubljana, Slovenia.   Abstracts of proposed papers are called for by 30 January.

Lyon, in a beautiful and easily-accessible part of France, will be the perfect venue for HYDRO 2009, allowing for site visits to important French dams and hydro plants.  The French Government is strongly supporting the conference: major partners being EDF, Compagnie Nationale du Rhône and GDF Suez.

In recognition of the greater impetus for hydro development worldwide, the solid commitment of international financing agencies, and (despite anxieties about recession in many parts of the world) the large number of hydro schemes now moving ahead in developing countries, we have made the sub-title of this year's event ‘Progress - Potential - Plans'. This is intended to represent progress in all sectors of the profession: greater sensitivity to environmental and social aspects; refinements in technology to reduce costs, increase efficiency, and protect the environment; new ways to maximize the benefits of existing and new hydro facilities; new approaches to financing; and, experience with new strategies.

A number of workshops, inter-active debates and side events hosted by national and international professional associations will run alongside HYDRO 2009. Supporting organizations include IEA, ICOLD, ESHA and the British Hydropower Association.

The international hydro community - owners + operators, consultants, international financiers, contractors, manufacturers, researchers, and others - will assemble at HYDRO 2009. If you are active in the field of hydropower development, your presence and your input to the discussions will be welcome.