International Centre for Hydropower - ICH

30/08/2026

Can an energy transition truly succeed if market design fails to secure the grid, or if energy poverty is left out of the equation?

At the International Centre for Hydropower (ICH), capacity building is defined by peer-to-peer operational insight. For over thirty years, our global programmes have brought together the practitioners and leaders actively shaping power systems and public policy worldwide.

On Wednesday, 2 September 2026, we launch our Global Virtual Masterclass Series Session 2: Energy Transition & Regional Power Market Mechanics.

We are delighted to feature Cañas as our Keynote Speaker. With three decades of sector leadership—including her tenure as former Vice Minister of Energy of Costa Rica and former Executive President of Grupo ICE—Irene will address the essential balance between aggressive decarbonisation, grid modernising, and tackling energy poverty across Latin America.

Her strategic address opens the masterclass alongside renowned power market experts Skjønborg Brunt and -Arild Bredesen, examining wholesale market architecture, regional power trade, and balancing hydro variability with expanding renewable generation.

We look forward to welcoming our global cohort of utility executives, regulators, and engineers as we begin this technical journey.

27/08/2026

In Solidarity with Nepal

In the wake of the devastating glacial lake outburst floods, severe rainfall, and landslides across Nepal, the International Centre for Hydropower - ICH extends its deepest sympathy and solidarity to the people of Nepal and all affected communities.

Our thoughts, prayers, and heartfelt support are with our esteemed partners, alumni, and lifelong colleagues across the Nepalese water, energy, and disaster risk management sectors during this challenging hour. We stand inspired by the enduring resilience and determination of the Nepalese community.

We express our profound gratitude to the emergency personnel, local authorities, and volunteers working tirelessly on the ground in search, rescue, and relief operations.

Nepal is an integral part of our global community. You are in our thoughts and in our hearts.

25/08/2026

21/08/2026

ICH Global Masterclass Series | Operational Excellence & Asset Stewardship
​Norway’s proudest legacy to global energy is built on a shared commitment to uncompromising excellence in operation and maintenance.
​Join our worldwide professional community as the ICH Global Virtual Masterclass Series returns on 26 August 2026. We are delighted to feature international expert Dr Kaspar Vereide for a practical, forward-looking session designed to strengthen technical competence, protect asset longevity, and elevate sustainable performance across borders.
​Session: Operation & Maintenance: The Cornerstone of Asset Integrity
​Featured Expert: Gaspar Berde
​Date: 26 August 2026
​Host: International Centre for Hydropower - ICH
​Format: Interactive Virtual Masterclass
​Connect with international peers, exchange field-tested insights, and be part of the dialogue driving real change in our energy landscape.
​

20/08/2026

Nepal's Energy Future Needs Leaders

As Nepal and South Asia continue advancing towards a more secure, sustainable, and interconnected energy future, one thing becomes increasingly clear:

The energy transition is not only about infrastructure.

It is about people.

People with the vision to lead change, the skills to navigate complexity, and the commitment to build stronger institutions and more resilient energy systems.

We are pleased to open applications for the Energy Security and Energy Transition Executive Capacity Programme & Strategic Mentorship Series, developed by the International Centre for Hydropower (ICH) in partnership with IFC Sustainability. The programme includes virtual masterclasses and an in-person executive training in Kathmandu focused on power market development, energy security, sustainability, infrastructure financing, and regional cooperation.

✨ Why participate?

✅ Learn directly from internationally recognized experts

✅ Engage in ICH Live Labs focused on real-world energy challenges

✅ Exchange experiences with professionals from across South Asia

✅ Benefit from strategic mentorship and peer learning

✅ Expand your professional network beyond borders

✅ Gain practical insights that can be applied in your organization and country

At ICH, we believe that investing in human capital is one of the most powerful investments we can make for a sustainable energy future.

Whether you are a regulator, utility professional, developer, financier, engineer, policymaker, or emerging leader, this programme offers a unique opportunity to connect, learn, and contribute to shaping the future of energy in our region.

🎓 Limited sponsored seats available

📍 Kathmandu, Nepal 6-8 October

📅 Applications are now open see below

Because the future of energy will be built by the people who dare to lead it.
Apply Now!
https://ich.heiapply.com/application/register

10/08/2026

Built in 1920. Still teaching us valuable lessons today.

As the world accelerates the energy transition, billions are being invested in new renewable energy infrastructure.

But perhaps one of the most important questions is not about what we build next.

It is about how we care for what previous generations have already built.

This century-old hydropower unit reminds us that reliability, resilience, operational excellence, and long-term stewardship are not achieved overnight. They are the result of decades of commitment, maintenance, and knowledge transfer.

As hydropower professionals, policymakers, utilities, and operators work to support the future energy system, we must continue asking:

Can the energy transition succeed if we fail to maintain the infrastructure that already powers our societies?

I would love to hear your thoughts.

What do you see as the greatest challenge facing hydropower today?

🔹 Aging infrastructure

🔹 Skills and knowledge transfer

🔹 Climate variability

🔹 Financing modernisation

🔹 Grid flexibility requirements

08/08/2026

Smarter capacity building for a sustainable energy future.

Great hydropower management isn't just about the concrete and turbines—it’s about the professionals who operate them every single day.

We are proud to launch Phase I of the ICH Virtual Masterclass Series: Hydropower Integrity: Bankability & Resilience! This program brings together mid-career and senior professionals into a truly global peer-learning network.

What makes this Masterclass different?

Real Operational Focus: We analyse actual challenges like monsoon sedimentation, turbine wear under changing regimes, and unbundling commercial risks.

Practical Tools: Learn to build actionable Environmental and Social Management Systems (ESMS) that international banks require before releasing capital.

Elite Mentorship: Direct access to specialists representing 30 years of global practitioner experience.

Public sector practitioners from eligible nations can access fully funded, fee-exempt seats through the active Norad framework, but applications close strictly on 03 August 2026. Corporate registrations and tailored group rates are open until 20 August 2026.

Take a look at our global community in the photo below—this is your invitation to join us! Tag a colleague who should be in this cohort!

Apply here: https://ich.heiapply.com/application/register and download the full brochure here: https://www.ich.no

02/08/2026

The Power of Diversity!

02/08/2026

Strengthen Your Utility's Technical Workforce in 2026

How is your organization preparing its engineering, ESG, and operations leadership for growing market demands and climate risks?

The International Centre for Hydropower (ICH) invites utility executives and HR directors to enrol key personnel in the 2026 Global Virtual Masterclass Series (Phase I).

Flexible Institutional Access Pathways:
• Pathway A (Norad Waivers): Fully funded for the public sector (Deadline: Monday, Aug 3).
• Pathway B (ICH Members): Preferential group registration packages for member utilities.
• Pathway C (Corporate Seats): Standard registration for commercial operators and private developers.

Invest in your team's competence. Transform technical performance into long-term asset bankability.

👉 Download the official Brochure and secure your institutional seats:https://ich.no/wp-content/uploads/BROCHURE-HYDROPOWER-INTEGRITY_2.pdf

31/07/2026

FINAL COUNTDOWN: 3 Days Left to Apply for NORAD-Funded Scholarships

Notice to public and private sector practitioners, regulatory authorities, and energy decision-makers across South Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Latin America:

The deadline for 100% fully funded seats (Pathway A: Norad Institutional Waivers) for the upcoming ICH Global Virtual Masterclass Series is THIS MONDAY, AUGUST 3RD.

Why is this Virtual Masterclass critical for your career and institution?
1. Direct Capacity Building: Master asset management, climate resilience, and bankability.
2. Gateway Prerequisite: Successful completion serves as a primary benchmark for candidate selection in ICH’s upcoming advanced in-person programs in October (Power Markets) and November (Dam Safety).

Do not leave your institution’s allocated quota unused.

⏰ Application Deadline: August 3, 2026
🔗 Submit your waiver request here: