Call for Papers:

 2026 International Hydropower Development Conference

Following the resounding success of the 2025 International Hydropower Development Conference, we are pleased to announce the call for papers for the 2026 International Hydropower Development Conference (IHDC 2026). The conference will be organized by the China Society for Hydropower Engineering (CSHE) and China Renewable Energy Engineering Institute (Office for China - IRENA Cooperation) in collaboration with leading industry and research institutions.

The rapid global expansion of renewable energy, with wind and solar power accounting for an increasing share of the grid, presents both opportunities and challenges. The intermittency and instability of these sources are testing the limits of grid security, supply continuity, and system flexibility. In this context, Long-Duration Energy Storage (LDES) has emerged as a critical technological solution to support a future energy system with high penetration of renewables. IHDC 2026 aims to delve into the technological innovation, system integration, and scaling-up pathways of LDES in synergy with hydropower.

This conference will serve as a vital platform for researchers, engineers, policymakers, and industry leaders worldwide to share cutting-edge research, engineering practices, and collaborative visions for building a resilient and sustainable energy future.

Theme for 2026:

“Hydropower and New Energies: Scaling Long-Duration Storage”

Highlighted Conference Topics:

Theme 1: Innovation and Optimization of Pumped Storage Hydropower

l Variable Speed Pumped Storage Units: Unsteady Flow Characteristics and Hydraulic Vibration Control

l Multi-Timescale Scheduling and Frequency Support Strategies for Pumped Storage Systems

l Energy Efficiency Improvement and Stability Assessment for Capacity Expansion and Retrofit of Existing Pumped Storage Plants

l Structural Safety and System Optimization of Closed-Loop and Underground Pumped Storage

l Intelligent Monitoring and Control Technologies for Pumped Storage Plants based on AI and Digital Twins

Theme 2: Novel Long-Duration Energy Storage Technologies

l Cycle Life, Degradation Mechanisms, and Safety Assessment of Flow Batteries, Sodium-Ion Batteries, and Solid-State Batteries

l Thermodynamic Cycles and Energy Efficiency Optimization of Compressed Air, Liquid Air, Gravity, and Thermal Energy Storage Systems

l Cross-Seasonal Energy Balancing and Multi-Timescale Performance Degradation Modeling for Long-Duration Storage

l Synergistic Optimization of Efficiency, Cost, and Carbon Emissions in Multi-Technology Integrated Storage Systems

l Engineering Applications and Demonstration Project Analysis of Novel Energy Storage Systems

Theme 3: Coordinated Operation and System Optimization of Wind-Solar-Hydro-Storage

l Modeling and Algorithm Research for Multi-Timescale Joint Scheduling of Integrated Wind-PV-Hydro-Storage Systems

l Flexibility Metrics and Capacity Market Mechanism Design for Multi-Energy Systems

l Collaborative Optimization and Revenue Stacking Analysis of Pumped Storage and Electrochemical Storage

l Stability and Supply Resilience Assessment under Extreme Climate Conditions

l Intelligent Scheduling and Predictive Optimization based on AI and Reinforcement Learning

Theme 4: Environmental Impact, Ecological Synergy, and Nature-based Solutions for Energy Storage

l Comprehensive Life Cycle Carbon Emission and Environmental Impact Assessment of Energy Storage Facilities

l Monitoring Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Researching Emission Reduction Pathways in Pumped Storage Reservoir Areas

l Practice and Evaluation of Nature-based Solutions in Ecological Restoration and Watershed Management

l Site Compliance and Environmental, Social, and Governance Frameworks for Energy Storage Projects

l Development of Digital Monitoring and MRV Systems based on Remote Sensing, IoT, and eDNA

Submission Guidelines:

• Full papers will be reviewed and selected based on scientific/engineering merit, relevance, and overall quality. You are reminded that, due to time and space constraints for the event, that not all submissions will be selected for the conference.

• The paper must be original and should not have been published in other conferences or journals.

• Authors are required to upload a complete full-length paper in English, with the total number of pages not exceeding 10.Please click here to download the template. 

• After the main text of the paper, an author's brief introduction of about 100 English words, along with the personal communication address and telephone number, should be attached.Papers shall be submitted online at www.ihdc2026.com

Important Dates:

• Submission Deadline: April 30th, 2026

• Notification of Acceptance: Jun 30th, 2026

• Conference Dates: October 2026

Your contributions will play a vital role in shaping the future of hydropower and renewable energy integration. IHDC 2026 offers a unique platform for researchers, industry leaders, and policymakers to exchange insights, foster collaborations, and drive innovation toward a more sustainable energy future.

We look forward to receiving your submissions and to welcoming you in October 2026 for an inspiring and impactful event.

※Gain Insights from Industry Leaders: Hear from renowned experts and thought leaders as they share the latest innovations, research, and trends in hydropower and renewable energy integration. Learn about new technologies and strategies that are shaping the future of sustainable energy systems.

※Network with Global Peers: Connect with a diverse community of professionals from around the world who share your passion for advancing hydropower and renewable energy. Expand your professional network, explore potential collaborations, and build lasting relationships with peers who are dedicated to the global energy transition.

※Explore Cutting-Edge Technologies: Discover the latest advancements in hydropower and renewable energy technologies. Get a first-hand look at innovative solutions that are driving the transformation of energy systems and learn how they can be applied to your projects.

※Contribute to the Global Energy Transition: By participating in the conference, you will play an active role in the global journey towards sustainable energy solutions. Your insights, experiences, and contributions will help shape the discussions and outcomes of the conference, making a tangible impact on the future of energy.

We eagerly anticipate your participation and look forward to welcoming you to the 2025 International Hydropower Development Conference. This event promises to be an inspiring and valuable experience, offering you the chance to engage with experts, participate in enriching discussions, and contribute to the future of sustainable energy.

Mark your calendars and prepare to be part of this important dialogue on hydropower and renewable energy integration. Together, we can drive the innovation and collaboration needed to build resilient and sustainable energy systems for the future.

We look forward to seeing you in October 2025!

Sincerely

Local Organizing Committee

2025 International Hydropower Development Conference