Next week (September 21-25), NHA’s Clean Currents 2026 will bring together professionals from across the water power industry in Phoenix, Arizona.

More than just a conference and exhibition, Clean Currents is a place where the top minds in water power come together to exchange ideas shaping the future of renewable energy and move water power forward. This year’s keynote speakers promise to do exactly that by offering insights from across the power sector that can help guide hydropower’s role in a rapidly evolving grid.

By hearing from national leaders who bridge technology, reliability, and system-wide innovation, attendees will gain valuable perspective on how water power can continue to be a cornerstone of our energy future.

Malcolm Woolf, NHA’s CEO and President, speaks during a plenary at Clean Currents 2024. (Photo Credit – NHA)

BUREAU OF RECLAMATION

Joining the plenary on Thursday, September 24, 2026, Aubrey Bettencourt, Acting Commissioner of the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation), U.S. Department of the Interior, is expected to announce that Reclamation plans to increase its hydropower generation by 25%!

Aubrey Bettencourt, Principal Deputy Commissioner at Bureau of Reclamation. (Photo Credit – Reclamation)

As of 2024, Reclamation had an installed capacity of 14,730,208 kW. This represents a total of 176 generating units located in 53 powerplants for which Reclamation has direct operating responsibility. Reclamation is the second largest hydropower asset owner in the United States.

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

On Wednesday, September 23, 2026, during the 1-hour-long keynote (8:45 AM – 9:45 AM), Andrew Freigang, Special Advisor, Office of Critical Minerals and Energy Innovation (CMEI) at U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), will use his platform at the plenary to provide industry with several special announcements pertaining to water power, so stay tuned!

Andrew Freigang, Special Advisor, Office of Critical Minerals and Energy Innovation at DOE. (Photo Credit – DOE)

SALT RIVER PROJECT

Clean Currents attendees will have the opportunity to hear more from host Salt River Project (SRP), including Jim Pratt, SRP’s General Manager and Chief Executive Officer. On Wednesday morning, Pratt will welcome the attendees to the city, a city that SRP has served for more than 100 years.

Jim Pratt, SRP’s General Manager and Chief Executive Officer. (Photo Credit – SRP)

On Thursday morning, Spencer McMahon, Senior Manager – Power Generation Major Projects, will discuss with attendees SRP’s proposed pumped storage hydropower project under development downstream from Roosevelt Dam.

The purpose of developing the project is for SRP to be able to ensure reliable, renewable power for consumers, with the project capable of powering up to 450,000 homes for 10 hours!

Spencer McMahon, Senior Manager – Power Generation Major Projects at SRP. (Photo Credit – SRP)

FOR MORE INFORMATION

To learn more about Clean Currents, click HERE.

Clean Currents plenary 2023. (Photo Credit – NHA)