The BHA Annual Conference 2023: The BHA reflects on a successful event

At the British Hydropower Association (BHA) Annual Conference in Glasgow, industry leaders, experts and enthusiasts came together to celebrate milestones, share insights and honour outstanding achievements in the hydropower sector.

Day 1:

The conference kicked off with tremendous excitement as the British Hydropower Manifesto was unveiled – a roadmap for a sustainable and innovative future in UK hydropower. Delegates were invited to explore the manifesto, a collective guide shaping the industry’s trajectory.

Key speakers, including Sarah Boyack MSP, Rich Haworth, Kenny Hunter, Joel Llewellyn-Eaton and Simon H., engaged the audience with discussions on challenges and opportunities within the hydropower landscape. The first day set the tone for collaborative efforts to drive positive change.

Day 2:

As the curtains fell on the conference, participants reflected on a day filled with insightful discussions and collaborative exchanges. Speakers such as Sam Maitland, Neil Beaumont and Stephen Prendergast shared their expertise on various facets of hydropower, emphasising the diverse and dynamic nature of the industry.

BHA Award Winners Revealed!

The pinnacle of the conference was the exclusive unveiling of the BHA Awards during the Annual Dinner. The awards recognised exceptional achievements and contributions to the hydropower sector.

• Historic Renovation: New Lanark Mills, Gilbert Gilkes and Gordon Ltd. – Recognising the successful refurbishment of a 90-year-old turbine at the UNESCO World Heritage site, New Lanark Mills, Glasgow. The project seamlessly blended modernisation with historical preservation.
• Services to Industry: Jon Needle – A tribute to Jon Needle’s decades-long commitment to run-of-river hydropower, acknowledging his profound understanding of the intricate interactions shaping the industry.
• Design and Innovation: VerdErg Renewable Energy – Celebrating VerdErg’s groundbreaking VETT hydro turbine technology, showcased in Cambridgeshire, offering a sustainable solution for small heads and reducing carbon emissions.

The BHA Annual Dinner provided a platform to honour and celebrate these remarkable achievements. It underscored the industry’s commitment to innovation and sustainability, setting the stage for a future marked by advancements and positive change. Congratulations to all the winners!

The BHA wishes to say thank you to the speakers, panellists and attendees for making the BHA Conference a resounding success. Your contributions have charted a course for a brighter and more sustainable future in hydropower. We hope that we can continue this momentum in the new year and help hydropower get to the next level.