The National Hydropower Association – owner and organizer of Clean Currents – is now accepting proposals for the conference program.
Submission Deadline is February 15, 2026!
To get started, click on the – Select – drop down menu below.
The Content Development Committee is looking for any topic that is relevant to your work; however, we are specifically looking for submissions on the following topics:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) Applications
- Asset Management
- Automation
- Batteries and Their Use with Hydro
- Climate Change/Effects of Weather Extremes
- Dam Safety
- Data Management and Digitalization
- Development of New Projects
- Environmental Protection/Preservation/Enhancement
- Innovation
- Licensing/Regulatory
- Management of Hydro Projects
- Marine Energy (Wave, Tidal, Ocean Current, or Riverine Hydrokinetic)
- Occupational Health and Safety
- Operations, including Flexibility
- Plant Maintenance
- Public Safety
- Pumped Storage
- Rehabilitation/Modernization
- Renewables – Pairing Hydropower with Solar or Wind
- Security – both Cyber and Physical
- Small Hydro
- Supply Chain/Procurement/Contracting
- Water Resource Forecasting and Production Planning
- Wholesale Electricity Markets
- Workforce (including Recruitment, Training, Retention, Succession Planning)
The mission of NHA and the Clean Currents Content Development Committee is to create an overall conference program that is:
- of high quality
- delivered in innovative, interesting, and useful ways
- provides added value to event attendees in meeting their educational needs
Proposals that aid in accomplishing this mission will be given high consideration. To that end, preference will be given to submittals that include:
- Case Studies – specific examples of real-life experience, especially about operational and/or technical work
- Lessons Learned that others could adapt
- Service and Product Suppliers that are Co-Presenting with Power Producers
More Details about the Learning Formats
1. Classroom Presentations
For these presentations, NHA is looking for proposals focused on state-of-the-art technical advances, applications of innovation that solved a problem, or lessons learned in a particular situation that could be useful to others.
For examples of great Classroom Presentations, visit the 2025 Classroom Presentations page.
2. Technology Demonstrations in the Innovation Power House
The Innovation Power House features four informal, interactive, and dynamic “show and tell” technology demonstrations showcasing innovative tools, technologies, or software with the potential to revolutionize the hydropower industry. These 30-minute, center-stage demonstrations aim to inspire and engage participants by highlighting impactful advancements relevant to the hydropower community.
To evaluate proposals, the Content Development Committee will look for specific details on how the demonstrator plans to “wow” the audience with their innovation, as well as engage with them to keep their attention captivated for the duration of the demonstration. Please note that PowerPoint presentation lectures are not fit for this learning format!
For examples of great Technology Demonstrations, visit the 2025 Technology Demonstrations page.
3. Activity Stations in the Innovation Power House
The Innovation Power House features five Innovation Activity Stations, which are designed to showcase advancements that align with the goals of the Hydropower Vision Roadmap through engaging and interactive activities. These stations aim to excite and inspire Clean Currents attendees by allowing them to interact with the innovations that are driving progress in the hydropower industry. Think games, challenges, polls, and technology walkthroughs, or other creative ways to spark conversation about your innovation!
To evaluate proposals, the Content Development Committee will look for specific details on how the demonstrator will actively engage participants, with a strong focus on hands-on features and interactivity. Please note that PowerPoint presentation lectures are not fit for this learning format!
For examples of great Innovation Activity Stations, visit the 2025 Innovation Power House page.
4. Deep-Dive Workshops
These workshops (either 2 hours or 4 hours) are designed to help attendees solve problems and meet challenges they experience in their day-to-day work. Workshops are meant to be informal, practical, and hands-on. Workshop Faculty need to be engaging, knowledgeable, and non-promotional. If you are a great teacher, this format is for you.
Proposals for this opportunity should describe the workshop content and proposed Faculty members.
For examples of great Deep-Dive Workshops, visit the 2025 Workshops page.
5. Poster Presentations in the Water Power Learning Center
(Includes visual display and short “Hear from the Expert” oral summary)
This opportunity involves two activities:
Participate in a 30-minute, interactive “Hear from the Expert” session, in which the poster presenter stands next to his/her visual display (see below for details about the display) to give a short oral overview (not a formal technical presentation and no PowerPoint) of his/her work and answers questions from attendees who are gathered around the presenter. It’s an opportunity to highlight the significance of the presenter’s work and WHY it will make a difference for the water power industry. Your 30-minute “Hear from the Expert” speaking slot will be assigned when the final conference program is released.
Create a visual display to mount on a display board that is 8 feet wide by 4 feet tall. This required display will be available for viewing in the Water Power Learning Center by Clean Currents attendees throughout Wednesday and Thursday. (Displays do not have to be manned throughout the event.)
For examples of great Poster Presentations, visit the 2025 Poster Presentations page.
What To Consider When Submitting
“New” content (not presented at a previous conference in the hydropower, marine energy, or dam safety sectors) is strongly preferred.
Proposals featuring project owners, operators, and/or developers as speakers will be highly considered.
The Content Development Committee is looking for any topic that is relevant to your work; however, we are specifically looking for submissions on the following topics:
- Lessons learned that others could adapt
- Service and Product Suppliers that are Co-Presenting with Power Producers
In developing the Clean Currents program, NHA and the Content Development Committee focus on quality vs. quantity. While all proposals will be given due consideration, a submission does not guarantee a speaking slot.
Submission Deadline is February 15, 2026!
What To Expect After Submission
NHA and the Clean Currents Content Development Committee will review all proposals. The review results will be communicated to all submitters by May 15, 2026.