2024 was a record-breaking year for the Open Rivers Programme! Thanks to the support from our donor Arcadia, the programme awarded 47 grants with a total value of €4,14m, a 55% increase in grant funding compared to 2023. ORP-supported projects successfully removed 60 dams, opening 568 km of river.
We were pleased to see a substantial increase in dam removal (demolition) applications, representing 64% of all supported projects. Out of the 30 dam removal grants, 12 had previously received support for their project via an identification or preparatory grant. This substantial growth highlights the hard work and dedication of our grantees and partners, as well as the expanding commitment to restoring free-flowing rivers.
“As we reflect on the achievements of the Open Rivers Programme in 2024, we are proud to report significant progress in our mission to enhance Europe’s river ecosystems.” – ORP Supervisory Board
ORP supported the following projects in 2024:
- 30 grants to remove 62 dams and reconnect 808 km of river in ecologically valuable sites across 16 European countries.
- 11 grants to support pre-demolition work for the eventual removal of 34 dams and the reopening of 389 km of river in ecologically valuable sites across 10 European countries.
- Five grants to identify up to 15 high-impact dams that can be prepared for removal in ecologically valuable sites in Bulgaria, Czechia, Italy, Greece, and Romania.
- One grant to develop a map and database of dam removal hotspots across Europe, enabling the European dam removal movement.
Several notable projects demonstrate the impact of the programme. Some of the highlights of 2024 include:
- Supporting the removal of three dams in the Danube-Carpathian Biosphere Reserve in Ukraine that will restore 140 km of river.
- Supporting the removal of two obsolete hydropower dams via two separate projects in Finland that will together restore 270 km of river.
- Supporting the first-ever dam removals in Türkiye.
- Supporting the largest dam removal project in Belgium to date, which removed 11 barriers – a project delivered in only four months.
Another interesting development was the increasing co-funding for ORP-supported projects. While co-funding is not a requirement for ORP support, 39% of projects received funding from other donors to complete their project. In 2024, co-funding applied to half of ORP projects and amounted to €10.86m.
As of 31st May 2025, the programme has supported projects in 32 countries, covering 62% of Greater Europe. ORP has committed over €12.1 million to 153 projects, resulting in the removal of 86 small dams and the restoration of over 880 km of river.
Looking ahead, ORP remains dedicated to attracting and supporting high-impact projects while showcasing the successes of completed projects. By continuing to advocate for the benefits of dam removal, ORP aims to encourage more organisations to identify and prepare future river restoration initiatives.
Stay updated on the latest news by subscribing to our newsletter.
If you have a dam removal project, consider applying for our next open call. Check out our application calendar and explore the application guidance materials.
