Hydropower and Dams

As a sustainable and affordable source of electricity, hydropower plays a vital role in providing energy storage and grid reliability. We help plan, design, operate and maintain hydropower and dam infrastructure that delivers long-term value. We work across geographies and disciplines to deliver safe, efficient solutions that protect communities, generate power and manage water resources.

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Engineering water’s potential into lasting impact.

We help clients harness the power of water to generate energy, manage resources and protect communities. Our teams bring deep technical expertise across every phase of a project, from feasibility and permitting to design, construction and rehabilitation. Whether supporting new hydropower development or extending the life of existing infrastructure, we work as trusted partners to deliver safe, efficient and resilient solutions. With decades of experience and a multidisciplinary approach, we tailor our services to meet the unique needs of each site, system and stakeholder. Our work spans the globe, but our focus is always local, collaborating closely with clients to deliver results that last.

Shaping the future of hydropower

Expertise across the full project lifecycle

With a fuel source that is clean and renewable, hydropower is one of the world's most important energy sources— generating almost one-fifth of the world's total electricity. From feasibility studies and permitting to design, construction and rehabilitation, we support every phase of hydropower and dam projects. Our multidisciplinary teams bring deep technical knowledge and a collaborative mindset to deliver safe, efficient and resilient infrastructure.

Learn more about WSP’s project management expertise

Integrated services for complex challenges

Our hydropower and dam services span feasibility, design, permitting and compliance. We support clients with dam safety, remediation, structural and geotechnical design and emergency planning. With decades of experience and a flexible team structure, we deliver responsive, high-quality solutions tailored to each project’s needs. We have experts in specialty tasks including penstocks, tunnels and pipelines, gate inspections, reliability analysis and concrete assessment and repair.

Learn more about WSP’s hydraulic structures expertise

Balancing infrastructure and ecosystems

Our work supports both infrastructure resilience and environmental stewardship. From restoring river habitats to protecting water supply systems, we help clients deliver projects that benefit communities and ecosystems alike.

Read about the Missouri River ecosystem restoration plan

Related services

Explore our power and energy projects

thn-Dam-and-Spillway-Restoration-Monitoring

Texas, USA

Drone Imagery Supports Dam and Spillway Restoration

Using high-resolution aerial imagery, we helped a Texas utility actively monitor and visualize the restoration of a critical dam and spillway serving two major power plants.

Ulster County, New York, USA

Ashokan Reservoir Structures Reconstruction

WSP USA is providing consulting services for improvements to the oldest New York City-owned reservoir in the Catskill Mountains to ensure continued water service.

Afghanistan

Refurbishment of 31 MW Kajakai Hydro Power Plant | Afghanistan

After two turbines failed simultaneously at the Kajakai hydro power plant in Afghanistan, WSP repaired and restored the units amid security concerns.

Aerial view of the Missouri River where WSP was selected to manage environmental practices

Missouri, USA

Missouri River Ecosystem Restoration Plan

When the Missouri River's dams decreased fish and wildlife population, WSP identified ecological attributes critical to the ecosystem's survival.

Snåsa, Trøndelag, Norway

Storåselva Power Plant

WSP supported the Norwegian power company NTE Energi AS and contractor Skanska Norge AS in building the Storåselva power plant, which utilized the 124-metre-high waterfall in the Storåselva river.

Northland, New Zealand

Ruakākā Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)

Pushing the boundaries of innovation to supercharge the nation’s renewable energy future, WSP partnered with Meridian Energy to deliver New Zealand’s first grid-scale Battery Energy Storage System (BESS).

Oshawa, Ontario, Canada

Courtice Water Pollution Control Plant

An Integrated Resource Recovery (IRR) strategy was developed for the Courtice Water Pollution Control Plant and was a first step towards the sustainability of this 68.2 MLD plant. The study searched for technical solutions to derive value from the plant’s waste and to minimize its inputs. The results not only brought focus to the Region, which lead to the IRR option to pursue further into the design and implementation phase, but also immediate improvements with the implementation of short-term solutions.

Let’s shape your next hydropower solution together.

Get in touch with our multidisciplinary teams to explore how we can support your next project.

Our hydropower and dam experts

Justin Lennon

SVP, Water National Technical Director

United States

Edwin Watkins

Senior Vice President, Business Development

United States

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Frequently Asked Questions

What services do you offer for hydropower and dam projects?

We support every phase of hydropower and dam development — from feasibility studies and permitting to detailed design, construction, rehabilitation and operations support. Our services include dam safety evaluations, condition assessments, remediation, structural and geotechnical engineering, emergency action planning, and regulatory compliance.

How does WSP help ensure dam safety and regulatory compliance?

We bring decades of experience as FERC dam safety consultants and owner’s engineers. Our teams conduct thorough inspections, risk assessments and emergency planning. We also support clients with licensing, permitting and compliance documentation to meet local, state and federal requirements.

Can you support both new hydropower development and existing infrastructure?

Yes. We help clients develop new hydropower systems and extend the life of existing assets. Whether it’s designing a new facility, upgrading aging infrastructure or addressing site-specific challenges, we tailor our approach to meet each project’s goals and constraints.

How do you address environmental and community impacts?

We balance infrastructure needs with environmental stewardship. Our teams support ecosystem restoration, water quality protection and community resilience. We work closely with clients and stakeholders to deliver projects that align with environmental goals and local priorities.

Where has WSP delivered hydropower and dam projects?

Our experience spans North America and beyond. We’ve supported projects in the U.S., Canada, Norway, Afghanistan and more — ranging from high-head hydro plants to reservoir rehabilitation and ecosystem restoration. Each project reflects our commitment to technical excellence and local impact.