Course Introductions

This online, self-paced course is the starting point for the Hydropower O&M Essentials Training Program. It provides a high-level overview of how hydropower plants generate electricity and how modern operators manage performance, reliability, and long-term asset value. Participants will explore key systems, operational processes, and maintenance practices that support safe, efficient, and reliable power generation across the asset lifecycle. ⏱ Estimated completion time: approximately 1 hour.

Course curriculum

    1. Welcome Message

    2. Introduction and Agenda

    3. Hydropower at a Glance

    4. Watershed | Inflows | Outflows

    5. Power Equation | Relationship between Head & Flow

    6. Types of Generating Stations

    7. Permits & Authorizations

    8. Hydropower O&M | Strategy | Organization

    9. Reliability and Maintenance Optimization

    10. Consequences of poor O&M | Potential risks

    11. Closing Remarks

    12. Knowledge Test

    13. Survey: Please provide your review of this module

    14. An Example of Sustainable Hydropower O&M - Tour of Sechelt Creek GS

About this course

  • $250.00
  • 14 lessons
  • 1 hour of video content

Key Outcomes of This Course

Participants completing this module will gain foundational understanding of:

  • Hydropower fundamentals

    Understand how water resources, head, and flow interact to generate electricity in hydropower facilities.

  • Hydropower plant types and systems

    Learn about different types of generating stations and the key components involved in hydropower operations.

  • The role of O&M in hydropower performance

    Understand how effective O&M practices support plant reliability, safety, regulatory compliance, and long-term asset value.

Why Hydropower O&M Matters

Hydropower plays a critical role in modern electricity systems by providing reliable renewable energy and supporting grid stability. Effective operations and maintenance practices are essential to ensure these assets continue delivering safe, efficient, and dependable performance over decades of operation.

  • Hydropower plants provide dependable renewable electricity and support grid stability through services such as frequency regulation, spinning reserve, and black start capability.

  • Poor operations and maintenance practices can lead to equipment failures, safety incidents, environmental impacts, and costly operational disruptions.

  • Hydropower facilities often operate for 50–100 years or more, requiring disciplined operations and maintenance practices to sustain long-term reliability and efficiency.

  • Operators must comply with environmental regulations, dam safety requirements, and operating licenses to maintain regulatory compliance and public trust.