Against the backdrop of global energy transition imperatives and China's dual-carbon strategic goals, the hydropower sector stands at a critical juncture for qualitative transformation. The 2026 Smart Hydropower Development Conference and Technology Equipment Exhibition will convene in Chengdu from July 9-11, 2026, serving as a global platform to advance high-quality development in hydropower through technological innovation.
This event transcends a conventional trade show, integrating government, industry, research, academia, and application sectors. It will focus on technological breakthroughs, operational optimization, and ecological coordination in hydropower development, facilitating practical implementation of cutting-edge technologies and collaborative projects.
Chengdu's Strategic Advantages
Chengdu's selection as host city reflects its unique qualifications. The southwestern metropolis boasts abundant hydropower resources from converging river systems including the Jinsha, Yalong, and Dadu rivers. The region's dense concentration of hydropower institutions, academic centers, and enterprises forms a complete industrial ecosystem, providing ideal conditions for the conference.
Six Thematic Exhibition Zones
The exhibition will showcase hydropower advancements across six specialized areas:
- Hydropower Engineering Showcase: Featuring major projects, research institutions, developers, and financial service providers.
- AI & Smart Hydropower Technologies: Highlighting artificial intelligence applications including basin scheduling, digital twins, intelligent monitoring systems, unmanned inspection equipment, and emergency response solutions.
- Power Generation & Pumped Storage: Presenting turbines, generator sets, control systems, hydraulic mechanisms, and capacity enhancement technologies.
- Multi-energy Integration: Demonstrating hybrid systems combining hydropower with wind, solar, hydrogen, and energy storage technologies.
- Dam Construction Materials: Exhibiting specialized cement, reinforcement systems, waterproofing solutions, and structural components.
- Construction Machinery: Displaying tunneling equipment, cranes, excavators, and specialized vehicles for hydropower projects.
Seven Key Forum Sessions
The conference will feature expert-led discussions on critical industry topics:
- Technological innovation driving productivity transformation
- Engineering challenges in complex geological conditions
- Integrated development of hybrid renewable energy bases
- Smart hydropower systems for disaster prevention
- Sustainable development within new power systems
- Supply chain optimization for hydropower projects
- Annual awards recognizing engineering excellence
The event aims to gather global experts and stakeholders to collectively advance smart hydropower development, contributing to cleaner and more efficient energy systems worldwide.