Hydropower professionals from across the UK and around the world will gather in Glasgow on 2–3 December 2025 for the British Hydropower Association (BHA) Annual Conference, Exhibition & Dinner, held at the Hilton Glasgow.

The two-day event is a key meeting point for professionals working in hydro generation, refurbishment, and energy storage. Engineers, operators, developers, and policymakers will share updates on current projects, market trends, and emerging technologies shaping the sector.

The 2025 conference will address practical challenges and new opportunities across the sector, including:

  • Pumped storage development and round-trip efficiency
  • Asset refurbishment and life extension
  • Hydropower digitalisation and automation
  • Fish-safe turbine design
  • Local energy integration and community benefits
  • Financing and regulatory frameworks

A dedicated technical exhibition will showcase products and services from UK and international suppliers, offering attendees a view of current technologies and project delivery capabilities.

The BHA has confirmed a diverse range of speakers from Europe, the UK, and North America, including:

  • Kateline Young, Principal Engineering Geologist, Mott MacDonald;
  • Dr Jens Kahler, Senior Project Manager, Fichtner;
  • Julian Cid Lozano, Master Technical Leader, Acciona;
  • Bernard Valluy, Head of Projects and Innovation, Alpiq;
  • Angus MacGregor, Business Development Manager, BAM;
  • Emma Reid, Technical Director, Stantec;
  • Dr Andrew Lees, Director, Geofem;
  • Mark Gill, Project Director, Mott MacDonald;
  • Olly Paish, Director, Derwent Hydro Developments;
  • John Lithgow, Director, Lithgows;
  • Roddy Cormack, Senior Associate, Dentons;
  • Mark Macaulay, Partner, Dentons;
  • Dagfinn Aksnes, Catrine Community Renewables;
  • Paul Evans, Principal Consultant, Intertek;
  • Harry Driscoll, Senior Manager Sales, Natel Energy;
  • Steve Ritchie, MD, Heidra Ltd;
  • Dave Mann, Director, TLS Energy;
  • Tom Beskeen, Senior Associate Hydrologist, Mott MacDonald;
  • Alex Grubb, Industry & Partner Solutions, Microsoft;
  • Tom Pateson, Head of Commercial, Gilkes;
  • Andy Billcliff, Director, Menter Mon;
  • Chris Binnie, Chairman, West Somerset Lagoon;
  • Richard Hearnden, O&M Business Development Manager, Green Highland Renewables;
  • Kate Gilmartin, CEO, British Hydropower Association;
  • Claire Kennedy, PhD Candidate, University of Strathclyde

Delegates will have opportunities to connect throughout the event, with structured networking sessions and a conference dinner designed to build links between operators, consultants, and technology providers.

Conference registration is now open, with delegate places starting from £50 and exhibitor packages from £720 (excluding VAT). BHA member discounts are available, and student rates are offered to encourage participation from the next generation of engineers.

All surplus revenue from the event is reinvested into the BHA’s work supporting the UK hydropower industry.

As the UK and Europe seek to expand flexible, low-carbon generation capacity, hydropower’s role in energy stability and storage is under renewed focus. The 2025 BHA Conference provides a platform for the global hydropower community to share data, project experience, and technical innovation driving the next phase of renewable infrastructure.

More information and registration details are available at events.british-hydro.com