The International Summer School ‘HydroKG’ was held at Razzakov KSTU from 28 July to 11 August 2024 with the support of DAAD Go East Programme/ Germany.

It brought together 9 students from European countries, including students from the Universities of Kyrgyzstan KSTU and KRSU, and therefore all events were held in three languages: German, English and Russian.

The programme was rich and varied. The participants visited large hydropower plants of Kyrgyzstan of the Naryn cascade in the southern region, such as Toktogul, Kurpsai, Kambar Ata-2, and in the northern region, they visited the small hydropower plants ‘Chakan Hydroelectric Power Station’ and the Ortotokoy reservoir in Issyk Köl. At the visiting sites, demonstration lectures were organised by employees of organisations, in which the students were able to acquire advanced knowledge in the fields of electrical engineering, energy, mechanics, hydraulic engineering, hydromorphology, hydropower plant management, ecology and geography.

The participants actively worked on projects in which they solved real problems in order to acquire new knowledge and apply it in practice. Theoretical lectures and workshops about the implementation of the Hydro4U project, its goals and objectives, about the work done and plans were conducted by lecturers of the Department ‘Hydropower Structures’, ‘Renewable Energy Sources’ of the KSTU as well as by partners of the Technical University of Munich, Germany in more detail.

The programmes of the International Summer School ‘HydroKG’ enabled the participants to explore new paths, acquire new knowledge and skills and also to work in an international team on exciting projects in Bishkek, Toktogul, Karakul, Balykchy and Cholpon Ata.

At the end of the International Summer School ‘HydroKG’, the administration of KSTU awarded certificates with international ECTS credits to all participants.

Author and picture credits: Venera Baichekirova, Head of the HydroKG summer school in Kyrgyzstan

Our Hydro4U partners from Hydrosolutions GmbH and the Technical University of Munich recently published a paper titled “Water Tales from Turkistan: Challenges and Opportunities for the Badam-Sayram Water System under a Changing Climate.”

https://doi.org/10.29258/CAJWR/2024-R1.v10-2/1-25.eng

Abstract:

The Badam River, a tributary to the Arys River located in the Syr Darya basin, is a crucial natural resource for ecological, social, and economic activities in the semi-arid region of southern Kazakhstan. The river basin is heavily influenced by manmade water infrastructure and faces water scarcity, particularly during summer, highlighting the importance of understanding its hydrological processes for effective water resource management. In this study, a semi-distributed conceptual hydrological model of the Badam River was implemented using the RS MINERVE hydrological software to evaluate the impacts of climate change on hydrology and to test the resilience of the water system. Connected HBV models were implemented for each of the hydrological response units that were defined as altitudinal zones. The hydrological model was calibrated using daily time steps between 1979 and 2011, and the resulting flow exceedance curves and hydrographs were used to assess the potential impacts of climate change on the basin, using CMIP6 precipitation and temperature scenarios. Future climate scenarios for the 2054 – 2064 period demonstrate that the peak discharge will be shifted to spring/late spring compared to the current early summer with no significant decrease in average discharge per day of the year. The insights gained from this hydrological-hydraulic model can be used to effectively manage the water system and inform future hydropower design decisions and serve as a blueprint for similar studies in the region and elsewhere.

On 11th July President of Uzbekistan, President Mirziyoyev, visited the Fergana region to participate in the “Ceremony dedicated to launching the construction of new projects in industry, energy and chemical fields in Fergana region”.

One of these new projects is the small hydropower plant at the Shakimardan river with the Francis Container Power Solution from GHE with a capacity of 2.2 Megawatt.

The ceremony itself took place in Fergana but a live video has been shown from two different small hydropower demo-sites, one is from the Hydro4U demo-site at the Shakimardan Village.

The head of the construction department at UGE, Mr Said Yusupov, announced that the Shakimardan HPP is ready for operation.

Hydro4U partners have contributed to this demonstration site with preparational work, technical design, ecological studies and the HPP Francis Container Power Solution and support on site.

An overview of the implemented technology is given on the website under: Demo 1 – Container Solution – Hydro4U  and an overview of the construction sites is explained on  this poster .

Further information:

Video about two small HPP from UGE out of which the one in Shakimardan Village is the one being the Hydro4U demo-site at the Shakimardan River: Official Launch of the Francis Container Power Solution in Shakimardan

Read more about the ceremony that took place on the 11^th July 2024:  Мирзиёев запустил строительство первой системы хранения электроэнергии (kun.uz)

Picture credits: UGE

D-HYDROFLEX will employ demonstration activities on six real hydroelectric power plants (HPP) across five European countries. This will ensure the replicability of the developed solutions in different geographical and market set ups testing variety use cases.

#1 Polish demo

Demo site: Wały Śląskie hydroelectric power plant

Country: Poland

Location: Brzeg Dolny

Capacity [MW] : 10

Hydro System:  4 Kaplan turbines

Type: Run-of-river

Demo outcomes: As part of the D-Hydroflex project, the Wały Śląskie Water Power Plant will implement a “turbine digital twin” supported by hydrological modelling and CFD simulations. This comprehensive digital twin will also incorporate a predictive maintenance tool, aimed at improving the turbine’s reliability. This initiative sets a precedent for modernizing hydroelectric plants with advanced digital solutions.

Demo impact: The introduction of these technologies is expected to bring numerous benefits. The digital twin and predictive maintenance tool will enable real-time monitoring and data-driven decision-making, improving the overall efficiency and sustainability of the plant. Additionally, the enhanced modelling capabilities will provide deeper insights into hydrological patterns, contributing to more effective water management and energy production strategies. These advancements will bolster the plant’s output and serve as a model for similar facilities looking to adopt modern digital solutions.

Involved Partners:

TAURON: Demo HPP owner

PWR: University

#2 Romanian Demo

Demo site: Bratia Hydroelectric Power Plant

Country: Romania

Location: Albeștii de Muscel

Capacity [MW] : 1,56MW

Hydro System:  2 Pelton turbines

Type: Run-of-river

Demo outcomes of the Romanian demo will be focused on:

• Fault detection and predictive maintenance based on advanced SCADA data processing.
• Energy production forecasting, based on available data related to the power station operation
• Hybridization of HPP for increased flexibility by facilitating connection to other renewable energy sources via local smart grids and/or VPP.

Demo impact of the Romanian demo will be focused on:

• Increase smart readiness of the HPP for operation and preventive maintenance purposes
• Readiness for hybrid future connection with other RES sources and/or VPP
• Readiness for integration & operation into local smart grids

Involved Partners:

IDEA Technology provider

INTEX Demo HPP owner

CARTIF Research Institute

#3 Spanish Demo

Demo site: Salto de Touro Hybrid Hydroelectric Power Plant

Country: Spain

Location: Ulla River

Capacity [MW]: 12

Hydro System:  2 Kaplan turbines

Type:    Run-of-river

Demo outcomes: The Spanish demo aims to revolutionize run-of-river hydro power plants by integrating a hybrid model for enhanced flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and environmental sustainability. This involves generating hydrogen on-site through an electrolysis plant with 0.4 MW of installed capacity, contributing to a substantial reduction of emissions compared to conventional technologies. Other key outcomes include advancements in hybrid power plant knowledge, algorithms for optimal operation, and comprehensive environmental parameter monitoring.

Demo impact: This demo not only fosters sustainable practices but also facilitates the integration of hydrogen technology in small hydro power plants, aligning with energy targets and enhancing economic and environmental sustainability within the hydro power sector.

Description of Technology implemented: Two multi-parameter probes will be installed, whose data will feed the algorithms that predict the production capacity of Green Hydrogen as a function of water quality.

Expected impact: The objective is to obtain an accurate understanding of the capacity of inland waters for use in the production of green hydrogen by determining the hybridisation possibilities of the extensive network of hydropower facilities in Europe.

Involved Partners:

TASGA Demo HPP owner

ENERGYLAB Research and Technology Institute

CARTIF Research and Technology Institute

#4 French Demo

Demo site:  Mauzac Hydroelectric Power Plant

Country: France

Location: Dordogne River & Selune River

Capacity [MW]: 13.2

Hydro System:  1 Kaplan & 5 Francis turbines

Type: Run-of-river

Demo outcomes

The main expected outcomes of the French demonstrators are:

• Increasing the HPP performance regarding hydropower production while lowering its environmental impact, especially on fish passage.
• Providing information on the migration dynamic fish species, such as salmon, eel, shad etc.
• Optimization of the protection measure or devices, such as turbine management, installation of temporary scientific devices (additional bypass or trap and truck)
• Increasing the knowledges on the dynamics of the fish migration (i.e., migration season, environmental triggers of the migration)

Demo impact

These efforts align with the goals of increasing hydropower production while minimizing the environmental impact. The French demonstrator showcases a commitment to sustainable energy practices and effective fish conservation strategies.

Involved Partners:

EDF Demo HPP owner

# 5 Greek Demo

Country: Greece

Regions: Kremasta  & Ilarion

Location: Acheloos & Aliakmon Rivers

Capacity: [MW] 437 & 153

Hydro system    4 Francis turbines & 2 Francis turbines

Type: Earth Fill

Demo outcomes: The technologies implemented and demonstrated within the Greek demo include:

• An asset management platform that will integrate geometric, non-geometric and management information data.
• The automatic generation of the geometric digital twin model for the HPPs.
• A federated learning intrusion detection system, for early detecting cyberattacks against the OT and automation systems of the dams.

Demo Impact: The Greek demo aims to enhance hydroelectric power plant resilience by early detecting intrusions and malicious activities. Moreover, the demo aims to suggest data standards for efficient digital dam management in operations and maintenance.

Involved Partners:

MINDS Technology provider

PPC Demo HPP owner

UCL University

UOC University

Author: D-Hydroflex

Information on the demonstrators: https://d-hydroflex.eu/demonstrators/

Website: www.d-hydroflex.eu

LinkedIn: d-hydroflex

Twitter: @d-hydroflex

The D-HYDROFLEX project is conducting a survey aiming to investigate the barriers that hinder the digitalisation of the hydropower plants and limit the potential of hydropower sector to provide flexibility. The questionnaire is structured upon 4 sections: (A) Participant profile, (B) Hydropower digitalization, (C) Hydropower flexibility, (D) Regulatory barriers to hydropower digitalization and flexibility.

The survey will be available through this link and should not take more than 10 minutes to complete: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScUtT7prjjjIh-HIJIc-ir23swmTU8EMbAI80kDmo2tMjuj-w/viewform?pli=1

For further information visit: https://d-hydroflex.eu/

The current hydropower plant fleet in the EU is aged, and it is estimated that 50% of the fleet will require upgrade actions by 2030. In particular, modernisation actions related to digitalisation are required in the short to medium term, in order to offer enhanced services, increase grid flexibility, environmental and socio-economic sustainability and to foster the green and digital transitions in Europe.

The iAMP-Hydro project will improve the operations of existing hydropower stations through the development of new digital sensors and services. Combined, these will form a novel intelligent Asset Management Platform for Hydropower Operation and Maintenance, the iAMP.

The following aspects are worked on in the project to reach the iAMP-Hydro objectives:

• Condition Monitoring of Hydropower Equipment (lab scale & on-site sensors)
• Predictive Maintenance Modelling (lab scale & on-site sensors)
• Ecology Monitoring Sensor Development, Data Analysis & Smart Flow Steering (lab scale & on-site sensors)
• Flow & Available Power Prediction Model Development
• Semantic Interoperability Mechanisms for Hydropower, Energy & other relevant Data
• End-User Requirements and Architecture Design for the ICT Components of iAMP-Hydro & iAMP implementation
• Data Analytics and Hydro Asset Management Platform Development
• System Validation in Operating Hydro plants & Case studies

By reaching the objectives, iAMP-Hydro aims at increasing the technology competitiveness of existing hydro by reducing O&M costs by 5-10 %, improving generation and revenues, increasing flexibility and data-driven decision making in hydropower operations. It will also increase the market penetration of renewables in the grid by 8.4 TWh/y, getting closer to the EU 2030 Climate and Energy targets, and the EU green deal. iAMP-Hydro will improve environmental and socio-economic sustainability of the existing hydropower fleet by reducing operating costs by € 1 billion per annum, reducing CO2 emissions by 1260 tonnes, creating 10,000 future-proof jobs, and enabling environmentally sustainable flow regulation using digital solutions.

Furthermore, the iAMP-Hydro project invites interested stakeholders to its Community of Practice where the latest results are presented for discussion, getting directly involved to form a sustainable energy future (connecting hydropower, PV and wind energy). Registration and participation at the Community of Practice is free of charge, thanks to funding from the European Union. Register here if you want to be part of it: Community of Practice – www.iamp-hydro.eu

Save-the Date: On 4 December 2024, we invite you for our 2^nd Co-Development Workshop, dedicated to the topic of Artificial intelligence in hydropower digitalisation webinar. You can find out more on www.iamp-hydro.eu .

Site presentation example:

One of the five demonstration sites is HPP Bermejales (2.1 MW) in the South of Spain. It is a dam-toe type plant with an average production of 2 GWh per annum, with a reservoir of 102.6 hm3. It is in a dry tropical climate. The plant contains a Francis turbine with 0.8-4.8 m3/s flows, and a nominal head of 56.5 m at 750 rpm. This is also an ideal plant to explore possible solutions of hybridisation and interoperability with other renewable sources and to foster hydro flexibility solutions and participation in energy markets, due to its seasonal operation, as the downstream water is used for irrigation which takes place for just a few months per year.

Content provided by Ingo Ball (WIP Renewable Energies) & the iAMP-Hydro consortium

Links:

• Website: Home – www.iamp-hydro.eu
• Newsletter: Newsletter – www.iamp-hydro.eu
• LinkedIn: (2) iAMP-Hydro Project: Übersicht | LinkedIn
• X: iAMP-Hydro (@iAMP_Hydro) / X

ETIP HYDROPOWER is pleased to announce the launch of the Virtual Postcard Summer Edition, inviting all stakeholders to participate in a photography initiative celebrating the synergy between hydropower facilities and their natural environments. This edition focuses on capturing the beauty, power, and sustainability of hydropower as it integrates seamlessly with the landscapes, highlighting the theme of summer.

Participants are encouraged to submit stunning images that reflect the essence of hydropower within its natural surroundings. These photographs will be used to convey summer greetings to all ETIP HYDROPOWER stakeholders and will be featured across all ETIP HYDROPOWER communication channels.

By showcasing the harmony between technology and nature, we hope to inspire greater appreciation and support for renewable energy solutions. We look forward to your contributions and to celebrating the vibrant spirit of summer through the lens of hydropower.

All entries must be received by 28 June 2024 no later than 11:59 PM CET

For further information visit: https://etip-hydropower.eu/latest-news/etip-hydropower-announces-virtual-postcard-summer-edition/ 

Sustainability is a crucial part of the developments in small-scale hydropower (SHP) in Central Asia, particularly ecological sustainability. Ecological impacts of SHP on aquatic ecosystems are numerous, such as hampered aquatic animal migration, altered flow regimes (reduced flow, fast flow changes), changed river morphology (sediment retention, increased embeddedness), habitat fragmentation or changes in physical-chemical water quality parameters. Investigations were performed by the consortium of partners from Europe: BOKU (Austria), EVINBO (Belgium), Hydrosolutions (Switzerland) and SJE
(Germany) in cooperation with the local partner TIIAME (Uzbekistan) in the demonstration sites Shakimardan at Koksu River in Uzbekistan, and Atbashy close to Naryn City at Atbashy river in Kyrgyzstan with a focus on the mitigation of ecological impacts.

Check out the full newsletter article here