Voices of Hydro introduces the people behind the power. In this series, industry leaders share how they’re driving the sector forward by tackling challenges, championing innovations and sharing moments that made them proud. These are the people who keep our lights on and our energy future, secure.

Please introduce yourself and tell us about your role.

I am Ana Paula Moreira, Executive Director of Hydropower and Thermal Power for EDP’s Renewable Generation Platform. With over 30 years of experience in hydropower engineering, sustainability, and asset management, I work with teams across Portugal, Spain, and Brazil to maximise the value of our hydro assets and support the energy transition.

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What challenge in the hydropower sector is your organisation working to address?

One of the biggest challenges today is integrating growing volumes of wind and solar power while maintaining system reliability and resilience. At EDP, we are focused on enhancing the flexibility of hydropower and expanding the role of pumped storage to provide the long-duration energy storage that modern power systems need.

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What key technology or innovation is your organisation focused on?

A key focus for EDP is the combination of pumped storage and digitalisation. Pumped storage is essential for storing renewable energy at scale, while digital technologies help us optimise operations, improve asset performance, and increase the flexibility of our hydro fleet.

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Is there a recent milestone or achievement from your organisation that you would like to highlight?

I would highlight EDP’s continued investment in modernising existing hydropower assets and optimising pumped storage schemes across the Iberian Peninsula. By upgrading infrastructure and deploying advanced digital solutions, we are increasing flexibility and preparing our hydro fleet for a more renewable and electrified future.

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What are you most proud of at the moment?

I am most proud of the way our teams are proving that hydropower remains a cornerstone of the energy transition. Every day, they combine engineering excellence, innovation, and sustainability to ensure that hydropower continues to deliver clean energy, storage, and resilience for society.

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