1^st International Small Hydropower Conference for New Development, Renovation, and Revitalization.

Hydropower has been used energetically for several years and is experiencing continuous technical developments, which has made it the second most-used renewable energy source in the world. In terms of energy generation, hydropower represents the largest proportion of renewable energy sources with nearly 17%. Thanks to the strong domestic market in Europe, hydropower is one of the leading sectors. In addition, hydropower represents further opportunities through the new construction of systems, but also especially through the revitalization of existing systems, as nearly 70 percent of all hydropower plants in Europe are more than 40 years old.

At the RENEXPOR Austria , one can approach this topic on different levels: in addition to the "Hydropower Street" where exhibitors will present the entire scope of hydropower, the 1^st International Small Hydropower Conference for New Development, Renovation, and Revitalization will take place on November 27^th. The conference will be organized in cooperation with the European Small Hydropower Association (ESHA) and should be a meeting place for the European hydropower industry.

Renowned speakers from countries like Belgium, Italy, Switzerland, and Austria as well as system developers and operators from small hydropower plants will discuss topics such as feed in options and the potential for small hydro power, as well as the renovation of old systems and the corresponding guidelines. Current research activities and economical-ecological optimized fish passes will be illustrated. Well-known small hydropower system developers and operators will report at length about their experiences from the field.

Hydropower will also be given great importance as part of the exhibition. At an optically highlighted area at the fair, the "Hydropower Street", manufacturers and service providers will provide information about overshot and undershot waterwheels, hydropower turbines, transmissions, weirs and congestion benching; screen, maintenance, reactivation of existing establishments; as well as observation and service offerings.

At the first RENEXPO R Austria 2009, visitors are able to learn about the entire scope of renewable energies and passive house. The topic spectrum includes, in addition to hydropower, the areas of photovoltaic, solar thermal energy, geothermal energy, heat pumps, cogeneration, biomass, and energy services.

The RENEXPOR Austria will take place November 26-28, 2009 at the Trade Fair Centre Salzburg. Further information about the trade fair, conferences, and the general program can be found under: www.renexpo-austria.at