The fifth International Training Workshop on Planning, Construction and Operation Management of Small and Medium Hydropower Stations was recently held in Changsha, the capital of central Chinas Hunan province. The three-week workshop concluded on 31 October 2015.

Sponsored by Chinas Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST), this event was organised and hosted by HNAC Technology Co. Ltd., a Chinese equipment manufacturer specialising in the water and energy sectors.

26 participants from 13 countries travelled to Changsha to take part in the workshop, including company directors, managers, engineers and government officials.

The primary objective of the workshop was to train industry professionals and boost hydropower development around the world. The course included lectures and discussion, as well as site visits and practical investigations.

Another objective was to increase communication between different countries to facilitate the exchange of knowledge about hydropower technology and the development of small and medium hydropower stations.

A new network was formed during the workshop. The South Asian Experts Network on Renewable Energy (SAENORE) was launched by eight of the workshop participants from India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

Chinas Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) has sponsored a number of international workshops on various technical subjects since 1989. The aim is to promote scientific and technical progress through international exchange, particularly within the developing world.