Hydropower is the world’s largest source of renewable electricity—and it’s under pressure.
As governments and utilities invest in critical upgrades to aging hydro infrastructure, one vulnerability is gaining overdue attention: concrete degradation. From spillways and intake tunnels to turbine housings and dam galleries, concrete plays a central role in every hydroelectric facility. Yet constant exposure to water, erosion, and environmental stress is quietly compromising its long-term performance.
For specifiers, engineers, and architects involved in designing or retrofitting these structures, choosing durable concrete systems is no longer optional—it’s essential.
Concrete Isn’t Failing—It’s Aging
Across the globe, most major dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s. According to the United Nations University, nearly 60,000 large dams were constructed during this period—many of which are now approaching or exceeding their intended service life of 50 to 100 years.
By 2030, over 20 percent of global hydro generating units will be more than 55 years old, as reported by the International Energy Agency. That means much of the infrastructure that powers clean energy around the world is entering a critical phase of structural vulnerability.
At the same time, extreme weather events and high water loads are accelerating concrete deterioration.
Traditional Concrete Isn’t Built for These Conditions
Many older facilities relied on standard concrete and surface-applied waterproofing methods—both of which are susceptible to failure over time. As concrete ages, microcracks develop, moisture penetrates, and abrasion takes its toll. The result is a cascade of challenges:
- Structural weakening
- Loss of watertightness
- Corroded reinforcement
- Unscheduled maintenance and costly shutdowns
These are not isolated problems—they’re systemic. And they’re expensive.
The Kryton Solution: Build Durability into the Mix
Kryton’s concrete admixtures offer a smarter, more sustainable path forward. Used in critical infrastructure around the world, Krystol Internal Membrane (KIM) and Hard-Cem are integral solutions designed to outperform conventional methods and extend concrete’s service life from the inside out.
KIM: Permanent Waterproofing
KIM is a crystalline admixture that reacts with water to block capillaries and seal microcracks. Once added at the batching stage, it creates self-sealing concrete that resists water ingress for the life of the structure—no membranes or coatings required.
Hard-Cem: Built-In Abrasion Resistance
Hard-Cem is an integral hardener that strengthens concrete against surface wear and erosion. Unlike dry-shake hardeners, which only protect the surface, Hard-Cem increases resistance throughout the entire slab, making it ideal for high-flow areas, sediment exposure, or mechanical abrasion.
Why It Matters for Long-Term Performance
Engineers and specifiers are under pressure to design for both reliability and sustainability. Kryton’s solutions help deliver both.
- Moisture Protection: Prevent water migration, corrosion, and internal damage
- Abrasion Resistance: Protect concrete exposed to sediment, flow, and equipment traffic
- Operational Continuity: Reduce unplanned shutdowns and minimize maintenance cycles
- Lifecycle Savings: Eliminate costly coatings and extend structural life
Whether for a retrofit or new construction, integral durability means fewer callbacks, fewer repairs, and higher confidence in performance.
Global Impact, Local Solutions
Kryton admixtures are used in hydroelectric projects across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America. In each case, project teams are turning to embedded durability as a way to future-proof critical energy infrastructure—ensuring safety, performance, and environmental resilience.
This isn’t just about improving concrete. It’s about delivering long-term value for energy producers, operators, and the communities they serve.
Green landscape surrounds the dam and water, country road visible below
Specify Smarter. Build Stronger.
If you’re designing hydro infrastructure in today’s climate, durability must be part of the spec. Kryton’s solutions help you achieve long-term waterproofing and wear resistance—without changing placement methods or complicating construction timelines.
Download our technical guide to learn how KIM and Hard-Cem work together to protect against the top threats to concrete.
[Watch the Webinar: Water, Wear & Shutdowns – The Triple Threat to Your Concrete]
About Kryton
Kryton International Inc. is a global leader in concrete waterproofing and durability. Since 1973, Kryton has been helping engineers, architects, and developers protect critical structures with award-winning Krystol® technology.
Learn more at www.kryton.com
