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

As water scarcity, glacier retreat, and climate change reshape resource management in Central Asia, the integration of water and energy systems modelling becomes essential. The TU-NEXUS project, co-led by the University of Oulu and VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, addresses these complex interdependencies by developing tools to analyse the Climate-Land-Energy-Water (CLEW) nexus in transboundary basins like the Amu Darya and Zeravshan. The goal is to improve benefit-sharing and decision-making across countries with diverging priorities, using interdisciplinary research and state-of-the-art open-source models.

TU-NEXUS brings together expertise in hydrology, energy systems, agronomy, and governance. It aims to link the CWatM water model with VTT’s IRENA FlexTool, enabling co-design of scenarios that reflect climate trends, socio-economic pressures, and energy-water trade-offs. The use of Spine Toolbox facilitates this integration, making workflows replicable and scalable. This modelling approach directly complements the objectives of the Hydro4U project, which adapts European small-scale hydropower technologies for Central Asia. TU-NEXUS provides the systemic context to assess these solutions under future climate and development scenarios, ensuring they are sustainable and beneficial across borders.

From 6–12 October 2025, TU-NEXUS will organize a research visit to Tashkent and Samarkand, Uzbekistan, featuring a training seminar on water-energy modelling, a model course, public lectures on the use of remote sensing and GIS, and sessions on scientific writing, all open to interested stakeholders. Activities will include a regional workshop titled Co-development of Exploratory Scenarios for the Future of the Amu Darya, which will bring together diverse stakeholders from science, policy, and civil society. The project invites participation from both regional and international actors.

For more information, please contact: aziza.baubekova@oulu.fi

Academic contributions to the upcoming Special Issue in the International Journal of Water Resources Development is also welcome: “From Water Sharing to Water Scarcity: Retreat of Glaciers and Drying of Lakes, Rivers, and Aquifers in Transboundary Systems.”

Author and picture credits: TU-NEXUS

Power in a box for remote areas: Francis Container Solution.

In the evolving world of renewable energy, small hydropower is gaining recognition as a crucial technology for decentralized, sustainable electricity generation, especially in remote or rural areas. Hydropower projects often face major obstacles: high civil engineering costs, long project timelines, and complex permitting processes.

To address these challenges, Global Hydro has developed the Francis Turbine in a Container – an innovative, fully integrated containerized hydropower solution. This pre-assembled small hydropower plant is compact, mobile, and minimizes the need for large-scale civil works, enabling rapid deployment even in hard-to-reach locations.

As part of the EU-funded Hydro4U project, this system is currently being demonstrated in Central Asia, proving that sustainable energy access is possible anywhere water flows.

Read the full article by Global Hydro here.

Shakimardan was a busy place between the 24th of March and the 4th of April. Project partners from various research groups stayed in the exclave to conduct impact assessment studies of the vertical slot fish pass and downstream bypass. In addition, various stretches of the rivers Koksu, Aksu and Shakimardan were electro fished to get a better understanding of the fish density and population structure in the river basin, which will be compared when the hydropower is operational, resulting in a residual flow between the hydropower intake and the power house. The five research groups visiting the site were SJE (Germany), BOKU (Austria), TU-Dresden (Germany), TIIAME (Uzbekistan), IGF Jena (Germany) and EVINBO (Belgium).

During the stay, EVINBO focused on the impact assessment of the passability of the hydropower weirs. To do so, they installed antennas to detect fish tagged with passive integrated transponders (PIT), which is a kind of microchip. They installed three antennas in the vertical slot fish pass (one at the entrance, one in the middle and one at the outlet) and one antenna downstream of the weirs. This allows to quantify how many fish reach the weirs and what proportion effectively finds the fish pass and uses it. Finally, a fifth antenna on the downstream bypass next to the trash rack was installed to study the downstream passage. In parallel, a part of the EVINBO team was fishing together with scientists from BOKU and TIIAME to catch and tag as many fish as possible with PIT tags. As we already assumed, there were not that many fish in the River Koksu in March and also not in the River Shakimardan. Instead, the largest catches were done in the River Aksu, likely as fish were either coming from, or still going to, the upstream spawning grounds. Even more, during electrofishing, we found rearing habitat of juvenile snowtrout with fish ranging from less than half a centimetre to a few centimetres, suggesting that spawning likely started a few weeks or even months ago in winter for at least a part of the population. Consequently, the pieces of the puzzle about the snowtrout’s life cycle are coming together. In total, 206 fish were tagged: 160 snowtrouts and 46 loaches.

SJE’s involvement in the OptiPass research project with the partners TUD Dresden University of Technology and IGF Jena Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Fisheries Biology resulted in a collaboration between Hydro4U and the OptiPass consortium, which was searching for a field site to study fish responses to high spatial velocity gradients (SVG) in bypasses for downstream migration of fish. Due to the conditions, the Shakimardan site is ideally suited for the OptiPass field study. To exploit synergies between the two projects, the OptiPass team traveled together with the Hydro4U group and started the site works with the set up and commission of an infrared-camera system at the bypass adjacent to the plant-intake. Snowtrouts caught and tagged by EVINBO, BOKU and TIIAME were carefully placed near the bypass entrance to study if they pass downstream without strong delay and avoidance behavior. The resulting one-week video footage from the first study campaign will allow an analysis of the effects of hydraulic conditions on the downstream migration behaviour of snow trout. The results will be compared with the results from ethohydraulic experiments carried out earlier in the TUD laboratory to gain an understanding of general behavior patterns in bypass-typical flow conditions.

The preliminary assessment of fish behavior indicates that the initial design of the bypass was implemented with construction deficiencies preventing a fish passage without delays. A minor but obvious optimization is needed. These will be realized before the end of the Hydro4U project.

Author: Pieterjan Verhelst, EVINBO

Picture Credits: Hydro4U

Central Asia has huge hydropower potential, especially in the upstream regions, but outdated infrastructure and water scarcity, exacerbated by climate change, are hampering the development. The Hydro4U project addresses these challenges by introducing modular, innovative small hydropower technologies tailored for remote areas. These solutions, which are cost-effective, sustainable, and comply with EU environmental standards, aim to transform hydropower in the region.

The progress highlights are the following:

1. Key Technologies:

• Francis Container Power Solution (FCPS): Deployed in Shakimardan, Uzbekistan, to ensure green energy for the enclave.
• Hydroshaft Power Solution (HSPS): Under development in At-Bashy, Kyrgyzstan, to harness hydropower in a high-altitude, challenging environment.

2. Milestones Achieved:

• Completion of equipment procurement and installation for FCPS, with complete commissioning scheduled soon. The monitoring of the performance is already in place. The fish-migration monitoring will start soon.
• Progress in HSPS construction despite extreme conditions, with completion targeted for summer 2025.
• Socio-Economic Impact: Hydro4U is engaging local communities, and fostering partnerships with regional stakeholders.
  • In Shakimardan, the FCPS plant will improve energy reliability, reducing dependence on unstable grids.
  • In At-Bashy, the project supports market analysis and business model development for future scalability.
• Progress on advanced planning tools, such as the sustainable hydropower planning and a monitoring system for the water-energy-food-climate nexus.
• Progress in feasibility studies at further identified planning sites.

Next outcomes in 2025:

Hydro4U aims to complete both demonstration sites and expand its impact for identified additional locations for replicating its innovative hydropower solutions. Furthermore, the monitoring phase for environmental impact and power performance will be in place.

Author: Charlotte Schlicke, Steinbeis Europa Zentrum

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The side event on “Cooperative Strategies for Central Asian Transboundary Water Management” was organized on June 11, 2024, in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, under the NEXUS Gains, Hydro4U, and WE-ACT projects, led by the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) in cooperation with the Tajik Agrarian University named Shirinsho Shotemur (TAU). This event brought together policymakers, researchers, development practitioners, and water resource managers to explore practical solutions for promoting inclusive and cooperative transboundary water management in Central Asia. The discussions focused on addressing key challenges, fostering knowledge exchange, and identifying pathways for sustainable water management. The event emphasized the use of science-based solutions, evidence-driven policy frameworks, and capacity-building initiatives to support long-term cooperation and stability in the region.

Event objectives

The primary objective of the event was to strengthen cooperation and promote inclusive strategies for managing transboundary water resources in Central Asia. The event aimed to identify key barriers to cooperation, including institutional, technical, and political challenges, and to propose concrete solutions to overcome them. By focusing on the broader implications of water cooperation for economic growth, environmental sustainability, and regional stability, the event sought to support the development of more resilient and adaptive water governance systems. It also emphasized the role of scientific research and evidence-based policy development in driving long-term, sustainable cooperation. Discussions explored how development projects and national initiatives could be better aligned to achieve a cohesive approach to transboundary water management.

Regional Impact and Beneficiaries

The event served as a platform for a wide range of stakeholders, including government officials, water resource managers, development partners, academic researchers, and representatives of regional and international organizations. By promoting collaboration and dialogue among these stakeholders, the event aimed to foster a shared vision for sustainable water management across the region. The outcomes of this event are expected to have a significant impact on the region’s water governance, economic development, and climate resilience. Enhanced cooperation on transboundary water resources contributes to improved livelihoods, equitable water distribution, and greater regional stability. It also strengthens the capacity of institutions and communities to manage water-related risks, such as floods, droughts, and water scarcity.

Expert Insights and Key Discussions

The event featured insightful discussions and expert contributions on the most pressing issues surrounding transboundary water management in Central Asia. The first session focused on cooperative mechanisms and challenges, offering a comprehensive analysis of existing institutional frameworks and highlighting key gaps that hinder effective collaboration. Experts emphasized the need to strengthen bilateral and multilateral agreements, particularly for the management of small transboundary tributaries (STTs), which often lack formal cooperative frameworks. Attention was drawn to the role of irrigated agriculture as a major water user and the impact of aging infrastructure and climate change on water availability. Policy recommendations included enhancing joint decision-making processes, increasing stakeholder participation, and ensuring a more transparent and inclusive water allocation system.

The role and modernization of Basin Water Organizations (BWOs) emerged as a central theme of the event. These organizations are essential for ensuring fair water allocation, managing shared infrastructure, and facilitating dialogue among riparian states. However, BWOs in Central Asia face technical, financial, and operational constraints that limit their effectiveness. Experts discussed the critical need for modernization, including the adoption of automated water monitoring systems, digital decision-support platforms, and enhanced operational capacity. The integration of advanced technologies, such as Earth observation and satellite-based water monitoring, was seen as a transformative approach to improving transparency and accountability in water allocation.

The third session focused on education, capacity building, and workforce development in the water sector. Experts highlighted the importance of investing in higher education and vocational training to create a skilled and technically proficient workforce capable of addressing the region’s water management challenges. Educational institutions in Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan have made strides in offering specialized courses on water management, but there is a growing need to integrate advanced technologies, such as hydrological modeling, satellite-based monitoring, and climate risk analysis, into their curricula. Discussions underscored the importance of establishing stronger linkages between academic institutions, water resource agencies, and development organizations to create a pipeline of well-trained water professionals equipped to address emerging challenges.

Key Discussion Themes

The discussions during the event touched on several important themes. Institutional and technical challenges were at the heart of the debate, with participants emphasizing the importance of political will in driving cooperation and advancing cross-border water management initiatives. The limited enforcement of agreements and fragmented decision-making processes were seen as major hurdles that must be addressed to improve cooperation. Another prominent issue was the need to strengthen education and capacity-building programs, especially those aimed at training young professionals in modern water management techniques and the use of digital tools.

The integration of modern technology into water management processes also featured prominently in the discussions. Advances in real-time water monitoring, Earth observation, and decision-support systems have the potential to significantly enhance data-driven decision-making in transboundary water allocation. Experts called for stronger data-sharing protocols and the use of these digital tools to promote transparency and accountability in cross-border water management. Climate change was another recurring theme, as rising temperatures, shrinking glaciers, and altered precipitation patterns place additional pressure on water availability. The need for adaptive strategies to manage water scarcity, floods, and other climate-related challenges was widely acknowledged.

Recommendations and the Way Forward

The event concluded with a series of forward-looking recommendations for fostering more inclusive and cooperative transboundary water management in Central Asia. Strengthening regional cooperation was identified as a priority, with participants calling for the establishment of joint commissions and platforms for dialogue between riparian states. The importance of modernizing water management infrastructure was emphasized, particularly through the use of automated water flow monitoring systems and decision-support tools. These technological upgrades will improve water allocation, increase operational efficiency, and support real-time decision-making.

Another key recommendation was the need to enhance capacity-building efforts through education and professional development programs. Equipping young professionals with the skills to use advanced digital tools, satellite-based monitoring, and evidence-based modeling techniques will support the next generation of water resource managers. This approach will enable the region to create a skilled workforce capable of addressing complex water challenges in the future. The event also emphasized the need for evidence-based policy development, calling for the integration of scientific research and analytical tools into policy processes. Development projects should be used as platforms for testing and scaling innovative solutions, while partnerships with development organizations and regional institutions can help facilitate the sharing of best practices and lessons learned.

Participants highlighted the importance of adopting climate-resilient water management approaches, given the growing impact of climate change on water resources in the region. Adaptive water allocation strategies and flexible policy frameworks are essential to address the growing unpredictability of water availability. Finally, the event called for stronger commitments to data sharing and transparency among stakeholders, as these measures are essential for trust-building and improving cooperation. By facilitating access to timely and reliable data, stakeholders can make better-informed decisions on water allocation and risk management.

Conclusion
The side event on “Cooperative Strategies for Central Asian Transboundary Water Management” demonstrated the critical need for stronger collaboration, capacity development, and evidence-based decision-making to manage shared water resources in Central Asia. Organized under the NEXUS Gains, Hydro4U, and WE-ACT projects by the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) in partnership with Tajik Agrarian University (TAU), the event showcased a range of innovative approaches and actionable recommendations. By promoting dialogue and knowledge exchange, the event laid the foundation for improved cooperation on water management and emphasized the role of education, capacity development, and technical modernization. As climate change, demographic pressures, and economic demands continue to challenge water availability, transboundary cooperation remains essential for ensuring equitable water access and long-term sustainability. The adoption of adaptive, evidence-based, and technology-driven solutions can support more efficient, transparent, and cooperative water management practices. This event marks a crucial step toward strengthening partnerships, modernizing water governance, and promoting sustainable development in Central Asia. By aligning development projects with national strategies and enhancing institutional capacity, the region can better prepare for future challenges while promoting economic growth, environmental protection, and regional stability.

This article was originally published on the Nexus Gains project website and submitted to the Nexus Resource Platform on 04.10.2024 by the Central Asia International Water Management Institute. It was originally written by Zafar Gafurov, Bunyod Holmatov, and Shavkat Kenjabaev.

Funded by the European Union, ReHydro aims to demonstrate how European hydropower can be refurbished and modernized to play a leading role in the future energy system, while adhering to sustainability requirements and societal needs in the context of climate change.

The project began with its official Kick-off meeting in Brussels in May 2024 and is expected to run until April 2028, supported by a total of 22 partners from 7 European countries. Within the framework of the project, several solutions such as a new, fish-friendly turbine design and monitoring tools will be tested on five main demonstration sites. Four more sites will showcase specific project activities. ReHydro’s exploitable results are expected to create 800 – 1,150 new jobs in the manufacturing industry, leading to an increase of 275 mil. Euros in the global market.

Since its official start, ReHydro has established its main communication platforms: The official LinkedIn account, which serves as the primary space to share progress as it happens and inform about upcoming events, and the official ReHydro website, where interested parties are able to find all information about the project’s background as well as research publications and articles. In addition, the ReHydro newsletter provides focused information on the project’s most important advancements.

One of these advancements was the start of data collection in Norway in September. The rivers Brattlandsdalsåi and Roalkvamsåi are part of the larger refurbishment projects, and thus it is vital to monitor their water temperature, flow, and habitat conditions to ensure sustainable and environmentally friendly planning. Innovative technologies such as eDNA to map biodiversity are also being used.

ReHydro’s next big step is the roll-out of an external modernization survey in early 2025, which pertains directly to the realization of one of the project’s deliverables and goals. This survey will gather additional data on the current modernization efforts of European hydropower to deepen understanding of the sector’s needs.

Author: ReHydro project

On 15 November 2024, WE-ACT brought together key stakeholders for a full-day workshop at the “Silk Road” conference hall in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The event focused on transboundary water allocation simulation and irrigation water tariffs in Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. The day fostered collaboration, mutual learning, and actionable outcomes for water resource management in the Syr Darya river basin.

What WE-ACT Did

1. Transboundary Water Allocation Simulation
Using the innovative simulation tool Together We Flow, WE-ACT created an interactive environment where decision-makers from the Syr Darya basin engaged in practical exercises to explore trade-offs in water allocation. Participants balanced economic, environmental, and socio-cultural values in decision-making scenarios, gaining insights into the complexities of managing shared water resources.

• Who attended: Decision-makers, government officials, and researchers.
• Outcome: Strengthened understanding of cooperative water management, enriched perspectives on stakeholder values, and provided valuable data for ongoing research led by the University of Twente.

2. Water Tariffs Workshop
In the afternoon, discussions shifted to the current legal and institutional frameworks of irrigation water tariffs in Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. Participants explored how pricing affects agricultural productivity, equity, and sustainability. Comparative analysis and group discussions led to recommendations for refining water governance.

• Who attended: Policy experts, water user associations, and practitioners.
• Outcome: Clearer understanding of existing challenges, actionable recommendations for improving tariff structures, and enhanced dialogue on best practices between the two countries.

The workshop was more than just an academic exercise; it was a forum for open dialogue and shared learning. Simulation was “eye-opening” for understanding others’ perspectives, and the tariff discussions sparked meaningful debates about practical solutions for water governance.

Why It Matters

This workshop exemplifies WE-ACT’s commitment to fostering resilience and equity in water resource management.

For further information: https://weact-project.eu/building-bridges-for-water-governance-we-act-hosts-water-allocation-simulation-and-tariffs-in-central-asia-workshop/

Author: WE-ACT project

The Di-Hydro project has made 1 year, being launched in October 2023 with the goal of advancing the digital transformation of hydropower plants (HPPs). Through innovative technologies, cutting-edge sensors, and advanced digital twins, Di-Hydro aims to enhance operational efficiency, environmental sustainability, and decision-making processes within the hydropower sector. As we mark the conclusion of the project’s first year, here is an overview of the significant progress.

Laying the Foundation for Digital Transformation

The team focused on gathering and analysing critical data from HPPs managed by project partners PPC, A2A, and EPS. This included characteristic of the hydropower plants participating in the pilot activities, weather data, flow measurements, and biodiversity metrics.

Key results in Digital Transformation of the HP Sector and Requirement of HPPs were completed. These findings outline the digital transformation goals for each pilot HPP, the specifications for novel sensors, and their optimal placement.

In addition, the team defined use cases and the digitisation levels each HPP can achieve, paving the way for developing Di-Hydro’s digital twins and decision-making platform. And finally, best practices and barriers for digitisation of operation and maintenance of hydropower plants were also identified.

Advancing Sensor Technologies

To digitalise the HPPs, the Di-Hydro team also focused on selecting and specifying innovative sensors. These sensors will monitor structural health of machinery or infrastructure, biofouling, biodiversity, environmental factors, and water flow, while also supporting underwater inspections.

Moreover, the partners at IMT addressed methodologies for sensor data processing, storage, and exchange. Lead by INOSENS, several activities are ongoing and planned in validating these methods under laboratory conditions, ensuring their reliability and applicability to real-world HPP environments.

Developing Digital Models for Enhanced Operations and Maintenance (O&M)

The team also dedicates a great deal of attention into creating the digital infrastructure required for optimal O&M at HPPs. This year, the team made insightful progress in developing secure-by-design architecture and implementing forecasting techniques for meteorological and water flow data.

Environmental and biodiversity monitoring models are being established using diverse data sources, while Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence algorithms are analysing sample data from laboratory setups. Efforts are underway to integrate virtual models of the assets into the Di-Hydro’s digital twin (DT) framework, utilising real-world pilot data.

The ultimate goal here is to deliver an advanced visualisation tool integrated within the digital twin, enabling predictive analytics for weather, water flow, biodiversity, and structural health of the HP into the Di-Hydro Decision-Making Platform, which will not only optimise O&M, but also facilitate online handling of HPP operations in real case scenarios.

Looking Ahead to 2025

As Di-Hydro enters its second year, the project will continue building on these achievements. 2025 promises to be a milestone year, with numerous events and sessions planned in collaboration with other hydropower initiatives.

Stay connected with Di-Hydro with our Newsletter and keep updated on the transformative impact of Di-Hydro innovations on the hydropower sector.

Author: Di-Hydro project