Editor’s note: The Hydropower Foundation recently launched its Waves of Generosity campaign, and we hope you’ll consider supporting the Hydropower Foundation, as well as its workforce development efforts, when it comes time for your end-of-year contributions. Your generosity helps strengthen the workforce development efforts our industry depends on. Learn more about the Waves of Generosity campaign here.

The hydropower industry is at a critical juncture. With a significant number of industry members reaching retirement age, we have an enormous need for skilled workers to carry the torch.

At Clean Currents 2025, Charlie Loewenguth, a Waterpower Club leader and former winning-team member in the Hydropower Collegiate Competition, highlighted the need for workforce development programs:

“As many of you know, the hydropower industry is facing a serious challenge—a shortage of young professionals entering the field. At the same time, the industry is anticipating a wave of refurbishments and new developments over the next decade. The experience gap is growing, and it’s something we can’t afford to ignore.”

Charlie Loewenguth, Field/Office Engineer at Mass Electric Construction Co., speaks at Clean Currents.

As an organization dedicated to workforce development, the Hydropower Foundation’s mission is to champion water power by preparing a robust and thriving industry, while establishing hydro as a leading career destination, attracting and retaining outstanding professionals.

Recently, the Hydropower Foundation (Foundation) entered a strategic alignment with the National Hydropower Association (NHA). While the Foundation remains an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with its own mission, vision, board, and staff, the collaboration allows the Foundation to amplify its impact by connecting directly with industry partners through NHA’s network and influence.

Together, the Foundation and NHA will work to attract the talented workforce needed to ensure hydropower continues to thrive for generations to come; read on to find out how you can help!

Hydro industry professionals and students network during the Clean Energy Career Expo at University of Pittsburgh.

UNPACKING THE ALIGNMENT

As part of the alignment between the Foundation and NHA, Malcolm Woolf, President and CEO of NHA, now also serves as the Executive Director of the Hydropower Foundation. By leading both organizations, Woolf will help foster seamless coordination and consistent collaboration.

The Foundation’s work will continue to be governed by four key priorities:

• Conducting outreach to universities, community colleges, and trade schools to provide resources, host site visits, and share internship/job opportunities.
• Leveraging social media to reach students where they’re at while increasing awareness of hydropower as a leading career path.
• Hosting Clean Energy Career Expos and expanding student and industry participation at each event.
• Planning for sustainability — ensuring the continued success of programs and the Foundation as a whole.

Students and industry representatives connect at the Clean Energy Career Expo.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

The Hydropower Foundation’s work is vital, and with your help, the industry can secure a future where hydro’s benefits and workforce are both widely acknowledged and celebrated.

Putting a finer point on how the hydropower industry can assist the Foundation in meeting its goals, Malcolm Woolf said: “The effort will only succeed through collaboration with partners across our industry — and we invite you to join us.

Loewenguth echoed this message to the industry, “If students can be exposed to hydropower early in their college careers, through classroom talks, guest lectures, facility tours, or mentorship, we can spark the next generation of talent this industry so desperately needs. So, my ask today is simple: Get involved.”

You can champion our mission by volunteering your time and expertise to engage with students or by contributing financially.

If you’d like to contribute financially, please contact Ashley Brooks ([email protected]) or Malcolm Woolf ([email protected]). Additionally, check out the ‘Waves of Generosity’ campaign HERE.