Across the rapidly changing landscapes of the Syr Darya basin, where glacier retreat accelerates and seasonal flows grow increasingly unpredictable, the WE-ACT Cooperation Week brought together the region’s leading institutions for a week of intensive, technically rigorous collaboration.

Experts from the University of Twente, Portolan Association, Technical University of Munich, FutureWater, HAEDES, IWMI Central Asia, and CAIAG united with national ministries, basin administrations, and NGOs to strengthen climate‑resilient, evidence‑driven water governance.

This was a decisive move, away from fragmented practices, toward a unified, scientifically grounded approach to managing one of Central Asia’s most strategic river systems.

BISHKEK: UNIVERSITY OF TWENTE GROUNDS THE WEEK IN SOCIETAL WATER VALUES

The Cooperation Week opened with a high‑level Water Value Measurement Workshop led by the University of Twente (UT), a global authority in socio‑hydrology and participatory water governance.

Representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture of the Kyrgyz Republic, the National Academy of Sciences, basin agencies, and NGOs explored how water creates economic, ecological, cultural, and social value within the Karadarya sub‑basin. UT facilitated structured mapping exercises revealing where agricultural production, hydropower operations, municipal consumption, ecological habitats, and cultural uses overlap—or directly compete. Crucially, UT’s team guided institutions in converting these insights into operational indicators.

OSH: CAIAG & IWMI OPEN THE TECHNICAL TRAINING WEEK

In Osh, CAIAG and IWMI officially launched the technical programme with a strategic overview of WE-ACT’s progress and the urgent basin‑level challenges ahead. Their framing underscored the need for coordinated climate‑impact assessments, interoperable monitoring networks, and transparent allocation modelling across administrative boundaries.

FROM SENSORS TO DATA — MASTERING AUTOMATED HYDROLOGICAL MONITORING

Portolan delivered a hands‑on masterclass on the operation, calibration, and maintenance of WE-ACT’s automated hydrometeorological stations. Installed across ten locations—including Ak‑Talaa, Son‑Köl, Kökomeren, Sary‑Tash, Uch‑Tepa, and others—the network forms the backbone of WE-ACT’s climate‑resilient monitoring strategy.

Portolan team demonstrated the internal architecture of these stations. Participants learned how to turn on the station’s Wi-Fi, connect to it, download the station’s settings, check whether the sensors were giving correct readings, and verify that the power system was working properly through the monitoring tool. One of the most important parts of the training was maintenance: Portolan showed how to safely open and clean collected sediment, how to avoid damaging the thin air-pressure lines inside them, and how to reset the sensors afterwards. These practical skills are essential for keeping the stations accurate and reliable in the region’s challenging mountain conditions.

CLIMATE‑IMPACT WITH SWAT+

The Technical University of Munich (TUM) led the hydrological modelling programme, offering participants a deep, practical immersion into SWAT+ and its glacier‑enhanced module, SWAT‑GL.

TUM researchers guided institutions step‑by‑step through building a complete SWAT+ model of the Yassy River, configuring glacier‑melt dynamics, analysing water‑balance components, and executing simulations under projected climate conditions.

Participants learned how to prepare future climate datasets, configure simulation periods, run the SWAT+ engine directly, and analyse climate‑driven hydrological changes through basin‑level water‑balance summaries.

The sessions revealed with scientific clarity how climate change is reshaping the basin: earlier melt peaks, reduced late‑summer flow stability, altered groundwater recharge, and heightened drought exposure. By giving institutions the tools to run independent climate‑impact analyses, TUM effectively democratized hydrological foresight.

ALLOCATION MODELLING WITH WEAP

FutureWater expanded the analytical landscape by training participants in WEAP—the basin’s water‑allocation engine. Through co‑developed model setups linked to SWAT+ outputs, participants explored how irrigation demands, hydropower production, reservoir operations, environmental flows, and climate evolution interact across decades.

FutureWater demonstrated how minor hydrological variations propagate into major cross‑sector tradeoffs when projected to mid‑century and beyond, an insight critical for long‑term drought preparedness and conflict prevention.

THE MIRAX DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEM — WHERE EVERYTHING CONVERGES

The final technological pillar came from HAEDES, which guided institutions through the miraX Decision Support System.

Participants accessed scenario dashboards combining:

• real‑time monitoring,
• SWAT+ hydrological outputs,
• WEAP sectoral allocation simulations,
• socio‑economic development pathways, and
• water‑value indicators

miraX allowed ministries and basin authorities to visualize climate futures, quantify tradeoffs, and compare alternative planning strategies—something that previously required fragmented tools, expert mediation, or was simply not possible.

A TURNING POINT FOR REGIONAL WATER SECURITY

The WE-ACT Cooperation Week concluded with a joint reflection led by CAIAG, IWMI, UT, TUM, FutureWater, HAEDES, and Portolan. Institutions affirmed their commitment to maintain the monitoring network, harmonize modelling approaches, and integrate societal values into long‑term allocation planning.

The significance of the week cannot be overstated. For the first time, Central Asian institutions jointly acquired:

• the ability to operate and calibrate advanced hydrological stations,
• the competence to run climate‑impact simulations independently,
• the analytical capacity to test allocation scenarios, and
• a shared decision‑support environment grounded in transparent, multi‑model data.

In a basin where every cubic metre is negotiated, this unified technical foundation marks a historic shift: a move toward evidence‑based diplomacy, climate‑aware planning, and long‑term resilience.

As climate pressures intensify, WE-ACT has delivered what the region needs most: shared tools, shared knowledge, and shared confidence that science, not uncertainty, can shape the future of the Syr Darya basin.

Author and picture credits: WE-ACT project

ETIP HYDROPOWER has published a new series of White Papers addressing two of the most pressing issues for Europe’s clean energy transition: power system flexibility and biodiversity protection in hydropower environments. The collection includes one paper on flexibility and three papers on key biodiversity challenges: environmental flows, fish mobility and sediment dynamics.
This work reflects an unprecedented collaborative effort involving more than 30 leading companies and organisations from the hydropower sector, who jointly contributed expertise, data and practical experience to deliver the recommendations.

Hydropower’s Key Role in Flexibility and Storage

The first paper highlights hydropower as a cornerstone of Europe’s future energy system. With the growing share of wind and solar, flexibility needs will increase dramatically, and hydropower (particularly pumped storage) offers unmatched capabilities to balance the grid, store energy and ensure security of supply.

Some of the main insights are:

• Hydropower provides flexibility across all timescales: seconds to months.
• Pumped storage remains the most effective large-scale energy storage solution.
• Calls for stronger R&I investment, stable regulation and fair remuneration for flexibility services.

Link to the paper: https://etip-hydropower.eu/assets/White-Papers/WG1_WHITEPAPER_FINAL.pdf

Biodiversity and Hydropower in Partnership

Three papers have been released on this matter, with 3 different focus:

1. Environmental Flows & Hydropeaking (E-flows)

E-flows are essential to maintain healthy river ecosystems, but they also reduce available water for power generation, making balanced approaches critical.

Key messages:

• E-flows support habitat quality, fish migration and river connectivity.
• Wide differences in methodologies across Europe highlight the need for harmonisation.
• Advanced, science-based methods and long-term monitoring are needed to balance ecological objectives with renewable energy outputs.

Link to the paper: https://etip-hydropower.eu/assets/White-Papers/White%20Paper_E-Flow%20and%20Hydropeaking_FINAL_17.11.pdf

2. Fish Mobility at Hydropower Plants

Ensuring safe fish migration is central to EU environmental policy. This paper reviews solutions for upstream and downstream passage.

Key messages:

• Nature-like fishways, technical fish passes, fish lifts, screens, bypasses and fish-friendly turbines all contribute to improved connectivity.
• Standardised performance criteria and better monitoring technologies are crucial for effective implementation.
• Innovation and digitalisation will play a key role in future fish protection.

Link to the paper: https://etip-hydropower.eu/assets/White-Papers/White%20Paper_FishMobility_FINAL_17.11.pdf

3. Sediment Dynamics

Sediment transport is vital for river morphology, habitat quality and hydropower operation.

Key messages:

• Reservoirs and flow alterations impact sediment continuity, requiring tailored management strategies.
• Techniques such as flushing, sluicing, venting and sediment replenishment can deliver win–win outcomes.
• Europe needs harmonised standards and stronger R&I efforts to address sedimentation challenges and support long-term sustainability.

Link to the paper: https://etip-hydropower.eu/assets/White-Papers/White%20Paper_SedimentDynamics_FINAL_17.11.pdf

Together, these four White Papers reinforce how hydropower can deliver climate-resilient, flexible, renewable energy while supporting healthy rivers and ecosystems.

And the work continues: the next and final White Paper in the series of this year, focused on Climate Change, will be released soon. Stay tuned!

Author: ETIP HYDROPOWER

The demand for flexible renewable energy sources continues to grow across Europe. The EU-funded research project ReHydro: Demonstration of Sustainable Hydropower Refurbishment, focuses on modernising aging hydropower infrastructure to increase efficiency, flexibility, and sustainability. Launched in May 2024, the project has now completed its first reporting period in October 2025.

Over the past 18 months, the consortium has advanced several key objectives. Below is a snapshot of the developments that have shaped this first phase.

Demonstration of monitoring technologies

ReHydro aims to implement and demonstrate several digital solutions and advanced control systems to progress predictive maintenance. Over the last months, our partners have developed and now tested a series of monitoring tools across three of ReHydro’s demonstration sites. The research conducted revealed that various combinations of monitoring solutions have potential to significantly contribute to extended asset lifespans and reduced operational costs.

Development of a tool to assess hydropower’s environmental pressure

As hydropower puts pressure on rivers and freshwater ecosystems, ReHydro is developing a practical tool that assesses those pressures across the entire life cycle of a hydropower project. The tool is to be used for support in the early stages of planning, considering local indicators such as habitat changes or water quality to guide eco-conscious choices. Next steps will be to collect further indicators to finish building the tool.

Initial studies for retrofitting with pumped storage

The Ain River hydropower chain is one of France’s most strategically important systems for energy production and water resource management. It includes the Saut-Mortier reservoir, where ReHydro is supporting the ongoing efforts to transform the reservoir into a pumped-storage hydropower facility capable of storing and releasing energy on demand. The groundwork for this task is now completed, culminating in the creation of a fully 3D digital twin.

With the foundations in place, ReHydro is officially out of the starting period and shaping up for even more hands-on work in the months to come.

Author and picture credits: ReHydro project

8th October 2025

As climate challenges and outdated infrastructure hinder hydropower development in Central Asia, the EU-funded Hydro4U project demonstrates innovative, sustainable small hydropower Central Asia is rich in hydropower potential, especially in its upstream regions, but much of this remains untapped. Ageing infrastructure, limited investment in new plants, and mounting pressures from climate change and water scarcity continue to hold the sector back. The Hydro4U project is approaching to the niche of small hydropower by introducing innovative, climate-resilient small hydropower solutions that are affordable, easy to install in remote areas, and built to meet strict European quality and environmental standards. The consortium implements advanced planning tools, is working hand in hand with local communities, and builds partnerships with regional companies. The aim is a pathway to cleaner and more sustainable energy supply and new commercial opportunities across Central Asia.

Central Asia holds immense potential for hydropower, but existing infrastructure and growing pressure on scarce water resources have so far hindered progress. The Hydro4U project, funded by the European Union, has successfully developed and tested two innovative small hydropower (SHP) solutions designed to support local communities and taking into consideration the environmental and ecological aspects.

In Shakimardan, Uzbekistan, the Francis Container Power Solution (FCPS) has already been commissioned – delivering renewable energy with a modular, low-cost approach that makes it easy to deploy, even in remote areas.

One of the objectives of the Hydro4U project is to develop academic programs and courses on hydropower for students from Europe and Central Asia. In this regard, the Kyrgyz State Technical University (KSTU) has been holding a two-week Summer School annually since 2021 in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. This 2025, the Summer School was held from August 4 to 17. There were 8 students in total, 6 from Germany and 2 from Kyrgyzstan.

One of the most important components of the project implementation is the development of academic programs and courses on hydropower, as well as the training of highly qualified specialists in the field of SHPPs with deep knowledge of the Central Asian region. The participants visited one of the two demonstration sites of the Hydro4 project in At Bashy, where equipment for small hydropower will be installed and the research base of the project is being formed. The Summer School “Kyrgyzstan – hydropower, ecology and hydromorphology” was developed jointly by KSTU and TUM in 2019 and has been implemented since 2021. The main organisational work at KSTU is carried out by Venera Bachekirova, Head of the International Department of KSTU. At the technical site, she was assisted by Dr. Fomin Nikolay (hydroengineer).

Over the course of two weeks, students from Germany and Kyrgyzstan learned about the incredible potential of hydropower in Kyrgyzstan, the environmental impact and sustainable development related to ecology and hydromorphology. The Summer School program included theoretical knowledge, lectures and seminars at KSTU, as well as field trips to interesting places in Kyrgyzstan related to hydropower and natural river systems. The program was complemented by a cultural program, Russian language courses and sightseeing tours. Students also learned how to conduct an environmental and technical assessment of a demonstration site.

Hydro4U project partners highlighted the topic of small hydropower plant construction in the Summer School concept and presented overview lectures and presentations on the advantages of small hydropower plant technology. Hydro4U partners actively participated in the development of the Summer School program: Project Coordinator Bertalan Alapfy (TUM) introduced the participants to the Hydro4U project and the concepts of sustainable hydropower and river management on the topic “Technologies and demonstration sites: Specification of two technologies and history of the demonstration sites”. Other lectures from Hydro4U were given by Matthias Schneider (SJE); Professor Bakhtiyor Karimov (TIIAME) on the topic: Overview of the EU-funded Hydro4U project: Impact assessment of small hydropower plants in Central Asia on river ecosystems. And on the topic “WEFE – NEXUS related to hydropower” the partners Bunyod Kholmatov (IWMI), Raquel Lopez/Sara Perez/Carlos Bernabe (CARTIF) conducted via video/podcast and participant survey.

Author and picture credits: Venera Baichekirova, KSTU

The construction activities for the modular Hydroshaft Power Solution (HSPS) in At‑Bashy, Kyrgyzstan, began in August 2024. The contractor is Orion, a local Kyrgyz construction company. ILF Consulting Engineers, a partner in Hydro4U, played a key role in the design phase and supervision of this demonstration hydropower plant. ILF Austria (ILF‑AUT) was responsible for the detailed design of the civil works and for the structural calculations, while ILF Kazakhstan (ILF‑KAZ) conducted the site supervision during construction.

Between September and December 2024, ILF‑KAZ carried out several site visits, each lasting between 6 and 14 days. These visits were essential for monitoring the construction progress, identifying challenges and ensuring compliance with the design. Site supervision was further supported by a visit from the Project Coordinator of the Technical University of Munich (TUM), underlining the collaborative and interdisciplinary nature of the project.

Despite the remote location and harsh environmental conditions, significant progress was made during Phase 1 of construction. The construction of key structural components – including foundation slabs, vertical walls and beams – was successfully completed. Reinforcement and concrete works were carried out across multiple sections of the hydropower plant, with adjustments made to account for site-specific constraints and unforeseen challenges.

During the construction process, several obstacles had to be overcome, which were addressed through collaborative efforts and adaptive measures:

• The project faced several logistical and technical challenges. The existing structure proved to be stronger than anticipated, leading to breakdowns of equipment and minor delays during demolition. Issues such as inconsistent fuel and electrical power availability also contributed to minor delays in the initial stages of construction.

• The remote project area and limited access to specialized subcontractors made it difficult to implement certain technologies.
  Although jet grouting technology was planned during the initial design phase for securing the existing weir structure, it was later found to be unavailable and replaced with a traditional underpinning method with concrete.

• The timely procurement of essential construction materials, such as swelling tapes, was a challenge at times, leading to adaptive decisions on site.

• Several structural elements displayed dimensional deviations and misalignments. These misalignments were critical for the subsequent installation of hydraulic steel structures and the turbine. Therefore, corrective measures were essential to ensure smooth progress in Phase 2. These issues were addressed through corrective actions in the geometry of the walls, reinforcement adjustments, and the employment of a permanent surveyor by Orion.

• A construction schedule was not provided by Orion, which required the spontaneous coordination of the on-site visits.

Quality control remained a priority throughout Phase 1 of construction. Instances of insufficient concrete vibration led to surface defects, which required subsequent concrete repair measures. Cold joints were observed, caused by premature concrete setting due to low temperatures during placement. Safety concerns such as unstable slopes and eroded retaining structures were identified early and addressed through temporary protective measures.

As winter approached, construction activities were further complicated by freezing temperatures, snowfall and icy roads. Emergency heating measures – including gas and electric heat guns, wood-fired stoves and protective tents – were employed to maintain suitable conditions for concrete curing. These pragmatic measures, while not ideal, were necessary to prevent further delays and to ensure structural integrity. They proved to be sufficient and eventually helped the construction progress to reach a state that could be paused during the following winter months.

Due to worsening weather conditions, construction activities had to be suspended as scheduled in December 2024. The remaining scope of work is scheduled to start in August 2025, including the pouring of second stage concrete after the installation of hydraulic steel structures and the turbine unit, the construction of the operational building as well as the construction of the fish passage.

Although it was not always possible to use standard European construction methods, due to the above mentioned restrictions, the work has progressed very positively so far thanks to intensive construction supervision, and good contact with both the owner and the construction site personnel. The engagement and linguistic proximity of our colleagues at ILF‑KAZ were also crucial. The Hydro4U partners are therefore optimistic about the upcoming completion of construction works and the commissioning of this innovative power plant.

ILF remains committed to continued supervision and collaboration with all stakeholders to ensure the successful completion of the remaining project phases while upholding both quality and safety standards.

Authors: Gabriel Pojer, ILF; Bertalan Alapfy, TUM

Picture credits: Bertalan Alapfy, TUM

On 14 May 2025, the ETIP HYDROPOWER cluster hosted a webinar session within its “Boosting Hydropower” webinar series, spotlighting three EU-funded research initiatives: HYDRO4U, ALPHEUS, and HYPOS. The event highlighted technological and strategic advancements aimed at enhancing sustainable hydropower across Europe and beyond.

Bertalan Alapfy (Technical University of Munich) and Daniel Hayes (BOKU University) presented HYDRO4U, focused on advancing sustainable small-scale hydropower solutions in Central Asia. ALPHEUS, introduced by Miroslav Marence (IHE Delft), showcased innovations in reversible pump/turbine technology tailored for flat coastal and shallow sea environments. Representing HYPOS, Karin Schenk (EOMAP) discussed efforts to provide hydropower industries with affordable access to critical data and tools for improved planning and monitoring.

The session also featured insights from Anton Schleiss (ICOLD), who presented the broader goals of ETIP HYDROPOWER, and Emanuele Quaranta (European Commission Joint Research Center), who explored relevant EU policy developments, including the Water Resilience Strategy and the Net Zero Industry Act.

The event highlighted the EU’s commitment to modernizing hydropower as a key player in the green energy transition. The slides of the presentations can be accessed on this website.

We are happy to share a series of concise, two-page Solution Factsheets showcasing exploitable results developed within Hydro4U. Each factsheet aims at highlighting key features, benefits and applications of the solutions, offering valuable insights into the work conducted so far.

Several factsheets are already available online, including:

• Solution Factsheet of project result Kaplan EVO – Innovative Kaplan Turbine
• Solution Factsheet of project result Francis Container Solution
• Solution Factsheet of project result BIM for detailed design
• Solution Factsheet of project result KSTU Summer School
• Solution Factsheet of project result Institutional and WEF Nexus analysis to assess small-hydropower projects
• Solution Factsheet of project result HydroPlan-CA
• Solution Factsheet of project result Sediment transport modelling tool