Course Introduction

This online, self-paced course is the starting point for the Hydropower O&M Essentials Training Program. It provides a practical overview of how hydropower plants generate electricity and how modern facilities are operated, maintained, and managed for long-term reliability. Learners will explore hydrology, plant types, major components, O&M practices, reliability, and the systems that support safe and efficient generation throughout the asset lifecycle. Estimated completion time: approximately 2 hours.

Course curriculum

    1. Welcome Message

    2. Introduction and Agenda

    3. Hydropower at a Glance

    4. Understanding Hydrology, the Power Equation, and Turbine Selection

    5. Types of Hydropower Generating Stations:Run-of-River, Storage, and Pumped Storage

    6. Major Components of a Hydropower Facility

    7. Permits & Authorizations

    8. Hydropower Operation & Maintenance (O&M)

    9. Training Hydropower O&M Teams

    10. Hydropower Reliability

    11. Consequences of Poor O&M

    12. Course Recap

    13. Quiz

    14. Survey - Student Feedback

    15. An Example of Sustainable Hydropower O&M

About this course

  • $500.00
  • 15 lessons
  • 1.5 hours of video content

Key Outcomes of This Course

Participants completing this course will gain a foundational understanding of:

  • Hydropower Fundamentals

    Understand how hydrology, head, flow, and the power equation influence electricity generation.

  • Plant Types, Components & Systems

    Recognize major hydropower generating-station types and the civil, mechanical, electrical, control, and grid systems that support operation.

  • Hydropower O&M & Reliability

    Understand how effective O&M, maintenance, training, and engineering support contribute to safety, reliability, compliance, and long-term asset performance.

Why Hydropower O&M Matters

Hydropower assets can operate for many decades, but long-term performance depends on disciplined operations, maintenance, engineering support, and timely reinvestment. Effective O&M helps facilities remain safe, reliable, efficient, and compliant throughout the asset lifecycle.

  • Hydropower provides dependable renewable electricity and supports grid stability through services such as frequency regulation, operating reserves, and black-start capability.

  • Poor O&M can contribute to equipment failures, safety incidents, environmental impacts, unplanned outages, and significant repair costs.

  • Many hydropower facilities operate for 50–100 years or more, making effective maintenance, rehabilitation, and lifecycle planning essential.

  • Operators must meet environmental, dam-safety, licensing, and other regulatory requirements while maintaining the confidence of regulators, communities, and stakeholders.

Start Your Hydropower O&M Journey

Designed for operators, maintainers, engineers, and asset managers — available individually or as part of the Hydropower O&M Essentials Training Program.

Enroll Now | $500 CAD