09/06/2026
ICOLD 2026 in Guadalajara: Soletanche Bachy and Cimesa at the World’s Premier Dam Congress
Nearly 1,000 participants from around the globe gathered at Expo Guadalajara for the 94th Annual Meeting of the International Commission on Large Dams (ICOLD). A landmark event for our industry, in which Soletanche Bachy and Cimesa played an active role.
A World Congress Focused on Water and Energy
This Mexican edition centred on the theme “Water, Energy and Society: The Evolving Role of Dams in a Changing World” — a topic more relevant than ever in the face of climate change and the energy transition. Over several days, engineers, experts and decision-makers from across the world exchanged views on water management, dam safety and new approaches in dam engineering.
Technical Highlights
Tailings Dams in the Spotlight — 50 Years of Technical Committee L
This edition marked the 50th anniversary of ICOLD’s Technical Committee L, dedicated to Tailings Dams and Waste Lagoons, whose first meeting was held in Mexico City in 1976. A symbolic milestone, celebrated on the very soil where it all began. The vitality of this committee reflects the growing importance of tailings management in our industry.
Mexico’s Long Tradition of Large Dams
Mexico held its own on the technical front. At the congress, Guillermo Clavellina presented a paper on Santa María Dam in the State of Sinaloa — a 125 m CFRD and the first in Mexico to feature an articulated plinth — “Construction of the positive cutoff wall of Santa Maria Dam in Sinaloa, Mexico”. A notable technical contribution showcasing the expertise of our teams in the field.
The technical visit to La Yesca Dam also left a lasting impression: a 220 m CFRD at the heart of a 750 MW hydroelectric development operated by CFE.
The CFBR Celebrates Its 100th Anniversary
The French Committee on Large Dams and Reservoirs (CFBR) celebrated its centenary this year — a century of technical and human excellence in the service of major hydraulic structures. A dedicated session was held in its honour at the congress, befitting such a remarkable legacy. Soletanche Bachy is proud to sponsor this year-long anniversary programme in France.
Our Presence at the Group Stand
Cimesa, SIX, Freyssinet and Cobra came together on a shared stand, a testament to the Group’s strong footprint in this market.
Among those present:
- Cimesa: Camila Guerrero, Guillermo Clavellina, Juan Paulin Aguirre
- Soletanche Bachy: Gustavo Pereira
- RSB: José Pantoja
- Sixense: Damien Tamagnan, Lisbeth Chavez
See You in 2027 in Daejeon, South Korea
The next ICOLD congress will be held in Daejeon, South Korea — another opportunity to fly the Soletanche Bachy flag on the international stage of large dams.
