Having been cancelled in 2020 due to the pandemic, the Viennahydro celebrated its international hydropower event comeback from 9th – 11th November 2022. A most welcome return within this format was made by the ‘International Seminar on Hydropower Plants’, a ­feature that has offered a top-class science and technology portfolio for over 40 ­years. Once again, around 230 participants from 20 countries contributed towards ensuring the Viennahydro lived up to its reputation as a highlight in the hydropower event schedule. This year’s show slogan – Hydropower for Future Generations – placed the focus of the event on key issues for the future, such as digitalisation, smart grids, quantum computers and all kinds of innovative trends.

From the 9th – 11th November, after a wait of four years since the previous ­edition of the fair, held in 2018, the ­Viennahydro finally returned, welcoming guests to a venue firmly associated with the event – the conference centre at Schloss Laxenburg on the edge of Vienna – which for the three days became the international hydro­power industry hub once again. A premium-­quality conference programme consisting of 64 specialist talks, and 12 presentations given by prospective doctoral students, ensured the event lived up to the high expectations. There was particular excitement surrounding the ­panel discussion held straight after the opening ceremony: ‘Sustainable supply availability via renewable energy systems’. High-profile guests from the worlds of politics, the energy industry and E-Control authorities participated in the discussion. Essentially, despite differing positions and approaches, the exchange of opinions showed that all sides identified very similar issues and findings, and drew similar conclusions. Discussion then moved from a broader perspective to more specific issues, and questions were dealt with in greater detail.

Internationality is a major priority
This event is rich in tradition and takes place every two years. Prof. Dr.-Ing. Christian Bauer, Dean of the Faculty of Mechanical ­Engineering and Management Sciences at the Technical University of Vienna (TU Wien), has been involved in the show since 2008. He and his team are the driving forces behind the event. The dean believes the international character of the Viennahydro is an important factor in its success: “The Viennahydro is an ideal platform for quick and easy exchanges on the issue of hydropower. In Austria, the community – educational institutions such as universities, manufacturers, operators and consultants – is a close-knit network; these benefits are transferred to an international arena via the conference.” The Viennahydro is a unique opportunity to present scientific ­research to the public, and expert audiences – especially for international doctoral students. It’s hard to imagine the opportunities for international networking being more favourable anywhere else.

Hydropower for future generations
As usual, the best possible use was made of the premises at Laxenburg palace; the individual items on the schedule being generously ­divided between three halls. The afternoon of day 1 was given over to more practical approaches to the provision of small-scale hydropower, a thoroughly original gender debate in hydropower, to questions concerning operation and maintenance, and to the increasingly important issue of ecology. This first day was rounded off by a sophisticated evening cocktail reception in the historic surroundings of the Vienna City Hall, providing a ­chance to marvel at an example of Vienna’s rich architectural history, while the vast majority of participants seized the unmissable opportunity to socialise and cultivate contacts.
The prevailing topics on day 2 included the central and ever-relevant issue of pumped storage, as well as control and automation, operation and maintenance, hydraulic systems and transient conditions, digitalisation – and numerical simulation. The main theme of the event picked up on the common thread: ‘Hydropower for Future Generations’. The organisers of the Viennahydro were clear about the need to pose the right questions regarding the future uses of hydro­power. Specifically, the dean, Mr. Bauer, said: “Storing energy and then feeding it back onto the power grid at a high level of efficiency is a major challenge. This is an area in which we aim to provide support. Rather than building new infra­structure, it’s a matter of exploiting existing infrastructure – such as reservoirs. In Salzburg there are examples of untapped potential. Artificial reservoirs used to serve snow cannons are not used for about 11 months of the year. New developments like modular pump turbines can help energy to be stored in a decentralised manner, without requiring new power lines to feed it back onto the grid.”

Establish and cultivate contacts
On day 2 the intensive discussions and expert talks went on throughout the evening meal, held in an extremely cosy atmosphere. As has been the custom for many years, the second day of the event was rounded off with a visit to the ­traditional Fuhrgassl-Huber wine tavern in Neustift am Walde. This side-event is sponsored by the hydropower all-rounder Voith Hydro, and become one of the secret socialising ­highlights offered at the Viennahydro. The informal tavern environment guarantees an ideal atmosphere for networking. As always, the professional conference environment provided a stage upon which several sector insider companies were able to introduce their products and services to well-known ‘key ­players’ in the hydropower industry. Many come to the ­Viennahydro to make new contacts, and to gather information on the latest developments.

Proven quality
The final day was dominated by the major topic of operation and maintenance; the second part of the day by pumped ­storage. As the last of a wide variety of fascinating presentations was completed, the 21st edition of Viennahydro drew to a close – proving yet again that the success of an industry event stands and falls on the quality of its content. A committee of almost 40 members guarantees that the standards set by the Viennahydro remain eminent, and ensures only papers reflecting lofty ­academic standards and sophisticated innovations are admitted at the event. As every year, the dean – Christian Bauer – and his team invest a great deal of effort and detail into preparing the event. The success of this year’s event laid the foundation for the next edition of the Viennahydro, which is to be held for the 22nd time in November 2024. It’s a date to be underlined in the diaries of all those around the world with an interest in ­hydropower.
For more informations please visit:
www.viennahydro.com