2025 → Present
Task 20
Digital Twins in Hydropower 1.0
IEA Technology Collaboration Programme on Hydropower
Description: Tribute tunnelling site
Location: Lake Mackintosh
Attribution: Mitch Osborne © Hydro Tasmania
Why do we do it
Hydropower plays a critical role in the global energy transition
As the world moves toward cleaner and more resilient energy systems, hydropower provides reliable, flexible, and low-carbon electricity. It supports the integration of variable renewables like wind and solar, strengthens grid stability, and contributes to energy security. With over a century of experience and untapped potential worldwide, hydropower remains a cornerstone of sustainable development and a key enabler of the global energy turnaround.
Description: Three Gorges Project
Location: China
Attribution: © China Three Gorges Corporation
About us
The IEA Technology Cooperation Programme on Hydropower is a working group of International Energy Agency member countries and others who have a common interest in advancing hydropower worldwide. Countries that are not members of the IEA can also join.
Our mission is to encourage through awareness, knowledge and support, the sustainable use of water resources for the development and management of hydropower.
6
active tasks
20+
years of successful work
150+
experts
50+
worldwide partners
Tasks & other activities
"Tasks" were called "Annexes" before June 2022, some older information may therefore still refer to "Annex"
Annex I
Annex II
2017
Annex III
Annex IV
Annex V
Annex VI
Annex VII
Annex VIII
2006
Task 9
Annex X
Annex XI
2007
Task 12
2023
2013
Task 13
2023
Task 14
2021
2016
Task 15
2021
2018
Task 16
2021
Task 17
2021
Task 18
2023
Task 19
Task 20
Annex I
Upgrading of Hydropower Facilities (Phase 1: 1995-2000)
Annex II
SMALL-SCALE HYDROPOWER (Completed 2017)
Annex III
Environmental and Social Impacts of Hydropower
Annex IV
Hidden Hydro and Untapped Hydropower Opportunities on Existing Infrastructures
Annex V
Education and Training in Hydropower
Annex VI
Public Awareness
Annex VII
Education & Training: Hydropower Competence Network
Annex VIII
Hydropower Good Practices
Task 9
Valuing Hydropower Services
Annex X
Wind/Hydro Integration
Annex XI
Upgrading and Renewal of Hydroplants
Task 12
Hydropower & the Environment Task 1: Managing the Carbon Balance of Freshwater Reservoirs
Task 13
Hydropower & Fish
Task 14
Management Models for Hydropower Cascade Reservoirs
Task 15
Maintenance Works and Decision-Making for Hydro Facilities
Task 16
Hidden Hydro
Task 17
Measures to Enhance the Climate Resilience of Hydropower
Task 18
Decision Support for Comprehensive Utilization of Basin Water Resources
Task 19
Hydropower and Fish 2.0
Task 20
Digital Twins in Hydropower 1.0
1995
Phase I
2000
Phase II
2005
Phase III
2010
Phase IV
2015
Phase V
2020
Phase VI
2025
Phase VII
Active Tasks
Participating Countries
Our Vision
Advancing Global Recognition and Development of Sustainable Hydropower...
...through the facilitation of worldwide recognition of hydropower as a well-established and socially desirable energy technology, advance the development of new hydropower and the modernisation of existing hydropower
Benefits for Participants
Participants are joining a highly international network of hydropower experts and organizations that collaborate in research, policy and advocating hydropower
01
Join any of the exiasting Tasks that collaborate on specific technical, environmental and social aspects of hydropower
02
Start a new Task and find international collaborators from our extemsive network of experts and organizations
03
Become part of the International Energy Agency and its activities to promote hydropower and other renewable energies
04
Gain access to more than 150 internationally reckognized hydropower experts to discuss topics of interest for you
05
Participating organizations include global leaders in hydropower research and development such as universities, private research organizations and multilateral hydropower organizations.
Latest News
Task 16 “Hidden and Untapped Hydropower” has published its first White Paper
