As the global energy transition accelerates, hydropower stands out as one of the most reliable and flexible renewable resources in the world – capable of balancing grids, supporting storage solutions and enabling sector-wide decarbonisation. At the heart of this industry’s policy engagement and strategic dialogue each year is the National Hydropower Association’s (NHA) Water Power Week in the US, a conference that is indispensable for professionals seeking to influence policy, strengthen their networks, and stay ahead of emerging trends.
Water Power Week in Washington DC has its roots in NHA’s mandate to bring hydropower issues to the fore in the nation’s capital. Organised annually by NHA, it has evolved into a dedicated policy and advocacy forum where developers, owners, regulators, and policymakers convene to shape the future of hydropower, marine energy, and pumped storage in the US. Unlike broader trade shows, the event zeroes in on legislation, regulation, markets and public policy – leveraging its location in Washington to forge real progress on issues that directly impact investment, licensing, project deployment and modern grid integration.
Water Power Week is a critical platform
In a world where energy policy shifts rapidly with changing administrations and legislative priorities, Water Power Week provides a critical platform for sustained dialogue between industry and government. This environment has previously fostered key discussions around federal tax incentives for hydro projects and catalytic legislative bills supporting water power infrastructure.
The agenda is intentionally broad yet focused on top-of-mind topics – from relicensing and regulatory frameworks to wholesale electricity markets, advocacy strategies, and government funding opportunities. Participants benefit from sessions tailored to emerging technologies, policy developments, and market trends that influence investment decisions today and into the future.
Beyond the sessions themselves, one of the most impactful components is Advocacy Day – a coordinated effort where attendees leverage their collective expertise to meet directly with Congressional offices, share insights on hydropower’s benefits, and advocate for policies that support growth and innovation in the sector. Participants receive preparation briefings, talking points and tools designed to make these engagements both meaningful and effective.
Key themes and thought leaders
Water Power Week showcases a lineup of influential speakers and thought leaders who provide diverse perspectives on the sector’s opportunities and challenges. This year’s roster reflects both the strategic importance of water power and the broad coalition supporting its growth.
One of the keynote speakers is Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), a long-time champion of hydropower policy whose support has helped shape legislative momentum. Her leadership on energy issues underscores hydropower’s significance within broader national energy discussions – particularly around modernisation, infrastructure investment and grid resilience.
Chair Laura Swett of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) brings insights from the nation’s primary licensing and regulatory body for hydro facilities. Her perspective on regulatory efficiency, environmental compliance, and market design is essential for operators navigating complex federal and state frameworks.
Adding a broader policy and media dimension to the program is Jake Sherman, Founder of Punchbowl News. Sherman’s expertise in political reporting and analysis offers attendees a unique window into how energy policy is shaped in Washington – and how leaders in the hydropower sector can position themselves to influence outcomes. Details on this year’s full program, including topics and sessions, are available through the Water Power Week website.
Why industry convenings are critical
Industry events like Water Power Week are more than networking opportunities – they are strategic forums that shape the direction of the energy sector. In an era where investment decisions depend as much on policy certainty as on technology performance, having a seat at the table where regulations are discussed, tax incentives debated, and market structures reimagined is essential.
These gatherings distil complex information into actionable insights, allowing professionals to anticipate regulatory changes, understand administrative priorities, and build relationships that extend well beyond the conference itself. They also provide a vehicle for collective action, enabling industry stakeholders to present a unified voice to lawmakers and regulators — an advantage that single entities or small coalitions often lack.
Moreover, events like Water Power Week cultivate the next generation of leaders. Exposure to senior policymakers, seasoned operators, and thought leaders accelerates professional development, fosters mentorship and expands the pipeline of talent ready to take on the challenges of clean energy implementation.
Unique position
As the energy landscape continues to evolve – with growing demands for reliability, storage solutions, integrated renewables and environmental stewardship – hydropower occupies a unique position. It is a renewable resource that not only generates electricity but also supports grid flexibility, water management and long-term sustainability. In navigating this complexity, the hydropower community must remain engaged at every level – from policy and markets to engineering and public outreach.
Water Power Week stands as a cornerstone of that engagement: a week where strategy meets action, where policy discussions inform investment decisions, and where the collective wisdom of the industry fortifies its future. For anyone serious about advancing hydropower’s role in a decarbonized energy system, this event is indispensable.
To learn more, visit: waterpowerweek.com.
Who should attend Water Power Week
Hydropower industry veterans and newcomers alike will find value in Water Power Week. Attendees typically include:
- Project developers and operators involved in conventional hydropower, pumped storage and small hydro,
- Service and equipment suppliers seeking to understand regulatory trends,
- Federal, state, and tribal government representatives working at the nexus of energy and water resources,
- Environmental and river stewardship organizations focused on sustainable water management,
- Legal, financing, and policy professionals tracking hydro-related legislation, and
- Young professionals and future leaders looking to build relationships within the industry.
