Global Hydro Energy is expanding its presence in the Philippines as the country accelerates its transition to cleaner and more reliable renewable energy. With nine hydropower projects already in its portfolio, the Austria-based company expects a surge in small hydro development in the coming years.

In an interview at Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria, CEO Heinz Peter Knass outlined the firm’s long-term strategy, the technologies it is bringing into the country, and why hydropower must remain a core anchor in a renewable-heavy grid.

A Specialist Backed by Global Experience

Knass describes Global Hydro as a pure-play small and medium hydropower company specializing in Kaplan, Francis, and Pelton turbines of up to 50 MW per unit. Its project footprint spans Europe, Latin America, and Asia — experience it is now applying in the Philippines, where five projects are under construction and four are already operational.

“Our ambition… is to be the go-to team lifetime partner for the investors and operators here in the Philippines,” Knass said, adding that a Philippine subsidiary is being considered. “With the number of the projects comes the responsibility that we localize our technology.”

Localization, he noted, is critical for ensuring availability of spare parts, long-term maintenance, and rapid response to operational needs.

Why the Philippines Is a High-Potential Hydro Market

Knass pointed to three fundamentals that make the Philippines attractive: strong hydropower resources, growing energy demand, and political support for renewables.

“You have the topography, you have the water available… and there is the clear political sign that you wish to invest into renewables,” he said.

He also emphasized that hydropower provides essential stability to grids with increasing shares of variable solar and wind — a rising priority as the Philippines expands its renewable mix.

Engineering for Sediment, Storms, and Grid Constraints

High sediment loads, extreme weather, and fragmented grid conditions pose technical challenges, but Knass said these are manageable. The company is applying lessons learned from similar environments such as Nepal and Latin America.

“There is a technology available… that can help you handle exactly these problems,” he said.

Climate change adds further pressure on hydrology. In response, Global Hydro developed its EVOlution turbine series, designed to maintain efficiency even at very low flow levels.

Supporting Developers and Communities

Global Hydro works closely with EPC contractors, utilities, government agencies, and local partners. Knowledge transfer and early involvement in project screening are central to its approach.

“A hydro project is only successful if it works technically and socially,” Knass said, highlighting the importance of compact, environmentally integrated designs and community benefits such as improved access and stable rural electrification.

Advanced Technologies to Strengthen Operations

Among the technologies Global Hydro is introducing to the Philippines is Hydrox SediSense — an AI-powered sediment monitoring system designed to detect and prevent abrasive turbine wear.

“We want to become a long-term performance partner,” Knass said. “There are definitely cheaper companies, but if it comes to hydro, it’s about efficiency and lifetime.”

Interest in Revitalizing Aging Hydro Assets

Knass also expressed interest in rehabilitating the Philippines’ older hydropower complexes, describing them as significantly under-optimized.

“There is a huge potential for revitalization in the country,” he said.

A Growing Market Ahead

“We are ready for you,” Knass said when asked about Global Hydro’s local pipeline. “For us, it is a focus market.”

As the Philippines expands its renewable portfolio, Global Hydro sees hydropower — enhanced by digital intelligence and long-term engineering support — as essential for achieving a stable, future-ready grid.

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