Session 3 of 4 of RMS' 2026 Hydropower Insights Webinar Series

Session Description

The rapid development of renewable energy has created a need for energy storage that didn’t exist at the turn of the last century.
In this webinar, you will learn about our energy picture from 2000 to today and examine the two most popular current forms of storage, as well as other evolving forms of energy storage.

Learning Objectives

As a participant, you will understand the evolution of our power system and the growing need for energy storage.

Speaker

Kevin Lewis (National Park Service) has been involved with hydropower licensing since the mid 1990’s. Kevin started as a volunteer with his local whitewater paddling club and a national nonprofit, American Whitewater. Kevin joined Idaho Rivers United as the organization’s Conservation Director in 2004 and added the role of Executive Director in 2017. During his tenure with IRU, Kevin worked on several relicensing projects as well as representing IRU on the steering committee of the Hydropower Reform Coalition. Kevin retired at the end of 2019 and is now assisting the National Park Service’s hydropower program.

Registration

This series is open to RMS members and non-members, and there is no charge to register. 

Register

About RMS' 2026 Hydropower Insights Webinar Series

This free four-part series is designed for hydropower practitioners seeking practical knowledge and tools to navigate today’s hydro challenges. Each session highlights a different aspect of the hydropower landscape, from licensing to operational challenges, emerging technologies, and inclusive stakeholder engagement.

Participants will explore the updated Hydropower Toolkit, gain strategies for managing aquatic invasive species at hydropower facilities, understand the evolving role of energy storage in modern electric grids, and learn about the increasing participation of first nations in hydropower decision-making. Whether new to the field or a seasoned professional, attendees will leave with actionable insights, resources, and strategies to approach hydropower projects with confidence, collaboration, and a forward-looking perspective. Recordings will be sent to registrants.

Sessions in this series include:

• April 8: Hydropower Toolkits for Practitioners – Take Two! (12:00 - 1:30 p.m. ET)
• April 29: Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Management at Hydropower Facilities (12:00 - 1:30 p.m. ET)
• May 20: Energy Storage in Today’s Electric Grid (12:00 - 1:30 p.m. ET)
• June 10: Tribes: An Evolving Presence as Hydropower Practitioners (12:00 - 1:30 p.m. ET)