Water Power
Certificate Course - Energy Engineering - EE.1.2.I26
| Date | Nov 23-24, 2026 |
| Duration | 2 days |
| Location | on campus, Karlsruhe |
| Language | English |
| ECTS | upon request |
| Costs | 1,550€ |
Course Prerequisites - Basics from the bachelor education and practical experience gained during their professional career is desirable, but not obligatory required. Basic knowledge of fluid mechanics and mechanics would be convenient.
Fundamentals
The lecture is intended to give a broad perspective about the role of hydropower in the world, its contribution to electrical energy production and the future trends.
Technology
The main types of hydropower units are described in order to gain a basic knowledge in their functionality and the possible modes of operation. Furthermore, the goals for the students are to understand the basics of the conversion of hydraulic energy into mechanical energy and to provide a physical understanding of the various physical phenomena that can occur during the operation of these machines (i.e. cavitation).
Applications
The lecture also gives a global perspective about ocean energy and main types of machines which are used in this area. A final objective is to gain an insight into some monitoring and maintenance practices of hydropower machines.
What you´ll explore
- Introduction to waterpower: Energy generation and demand; Conventional hydropower and ocean energy; historical review and perspectives.
- Basics of energy transfer: Head; discharge, power; efficiency; characteristic hill charts; similarity laws; velocity triangles.
- Conventional Hydro: Operation of hydropower plants; description of Francis Kaplan and Pelton turbines; selection and regulation; transients; design, manufacturing and erection aspects.
- Pumped Storage Plants: Objective, design and operation of pump turbine units.
- Physical phenomena in hydropower machines such as cavitation, pressure fluctuations, instabilities, erosion: impact, consequences, prediction, identification, mitigation.
- Marine Energy: tidal, ocean current and wave energy devices.
- Operation of hydropower plants: monitoring and maintenance aspects.
Your key takeaways
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Historic development of wind and hydropower use
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Global and local wind systems, measurement, energy content, and wind power plant technology
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Role of hydropower in global electricity supply, grid stability, and energy storage
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Marine energy systems: ocean current, wave, and tidal technologies
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Current and future challenges in hydropower development and operation
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Types of hydropower plants, machinery, generators, and energy conversion principles
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Operation of hydropower machinery under varying load conditions
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Monitoring, maintenance, and design impacts on hydro equipment
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Economic, ecological, and legal aspects of renewable energy systems
Taught by recognized experts in Water Power
Benefit from the knowledge of leading specialists with extensive experience in research and industry. Their deep expertise guarantees a course of outstanding academic and practical quality.
Dr. Alexander Jung
Alexander Jung is Head of Digital Hydro Solutions at Voith Group, based in Heidenheim an der Brenz, Germany. He leads the development of digital technologies for hydropower systems, focusing on data-driven optimization, automation, and intelligent asset management. His work supports the transformation of traditional energy infrastructure into smart, efficient, and sustainable hydro solutions. With strong expertise in digital engineering and industrial innovation, he drives the integration of software, analytics, and energy systems to improve performance, reliability, and sustainability in global hydropower operations.
Who should attend
This course is particularly beneficial for professionals in the following fields
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Engineers and technical professionals in hydropower
Civil, mechanical, electrical and environmental engineers, as well as hydrologists and technical specialists who design, analyze, build, operate or modernize hydropower plants (run-of-river, storage, pumped storage) and their components (turbines, generators, dams, waterways). -
Planners and project managers for water power projects
Project developers, planners, and project managers in hydropower development and refurbishment, energy consultants, technical advisors, and specialists in grid connection, system services and integration of hydropower into power systems, including professionals at utilities and grid operators. -
Professionals in energy policy, sustainability, and water management
Staff in ministries, public authorities, river basin organizations, regulatory bodies, international organizations, NGOs, and companies who work on renewable energy strategies, licensing and environmental impact assessment, climate adaptation, flood protection, and sustainable use of water resources. -
Researchers and early-career academics
PhD candidates, postdoctoral researchers, and academic staff in the fields of hydropower, hydraulic engineering, hydrology, environmental and water resources engineering, or energy system analysis who want a compact, application-oriented overview of modern water power technologies and their role in the energy transition.
Advance your career with KIT-level expertise
Benefit from the reputation of the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) while gaining practical skills, flexible learning opportunities, and a recognized certificate to support your long-term professional growth.
Flexibility
Gain focused expertise in a specific field without committing to a full degree program, allowing you to build relevant knowledge efficiently and integrate learning seamlessly into your professional routine.
Relevance
Benefit from high-quality academic content combined with practical insights, delivered by experienced experts, supporting continuous, lifelong learning while ensuring direct applicability in real-world scenarios.
Relevance
Benefit from high-quality academic content combined with practical insights, delivered by experienced experts, supporting continuous, lifelong learning while ensuring direct applicability in real-world scenarios.