News

Today we bring you the 12th and final episode of the official LNEC Lisbon Conference 2026 podcast.

In this episode, we talk to Eng. Ricardo Pimentel from EDP about the role of hydropower in the energy transition, since it is increasingly associated with the flexibility of the electricity system, allowing it to respond rapidly to changes in generation and demand. Pumped storage is particularly relevant in this context, combining high power capacity with long-duration storage. As Ricardo Pimentel explains, “I like to look at hydropower not only as a generation or storage technology, but above all as a flexibility resource for the electricity system".

The interview also explores the modernization of existing infrastructure and the development of new pumped-storage projects, ranging from new facilities to solutions that make use of existing infrastructure. According to Ricardo Pimentel, “the main challenge of these projects is no longer technological, the technology exists, it is mature”, with regulatory and economic conditions becoming key to supporting long-term investment. He also refers that “a new project should not be assessed only by the megawatt-hours it can produce”, but also by its firm capacity, long-duration storage, flexibility, system services and resilience.

Digitalization also plays a key role, with monitoring systems, automation, artificial intelligence, BIM and digital twins supporting improved knowledge and management of infrastructure throughout its lifecycle. For Ricardo Pimentel, “the true value of BIM lies above all in information management”, allowing information from design, construction and operation to be connected. Digitalization is therefore understood as a set of technological developments that can contribute to greater efficiency, safety and resilience in water and energy infrastructure.

EDP participates in the LNEC Lisbon Conference 2026 through representatives involved in sessions, presentations and roundtables, contributing to an interdisciplinary discussion on the future of dams and their relationship with energy, water, the environment, territory and safety.

The LNEC Lisbon Conference 2026 takes place on 21 and 22 October at LNEC.

Registration and programme HERE.

Listen to the LNEC Lisbon Conference 2026 podcast on Spotify and YouTube.