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

The European Commission, DG Research and Innovation has published a new report on Research & Innovation Projects called “A Just and Inclusive Green Transition”

This report assesses 55 EU-funded research projects, examining their contributions to a just and inclusive green transition.

The main thematic focus of these projects includes

• Environmental Justice and Social Inclusion,
• Sustainable Cities and Urban Planning,
• Bioeconomy and Circular Economy,
• Energy Transition and Energy Equity, and
• Climate Policy and Global Cooperation.

The report presents insights from the projects that can inform policies in these areas. It also presents future research needs as identified by the projects.

Hydro4U one of these projects that has been analysed.

European Commission: Directorate-General for Research and Innovation, Fuoco, T., Mirpourian, M. and Colah, T., A just and inclusive green transition – Report on research and innovation projects, Publications Office of the European Union, 2025 https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2777/6222808

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

A high-level regional workshop titled “Sustainable and Efficient Water Use in the Context of Small Rivers of Central Asia: Challenges, Solutions, Experience Sharing, and Prospects” took place on June 16 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, drawing together nearly 35 water management professionals and experts from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and beyond. The event was organized by Hydro4U project partner International Water Management Institute (IWMI) as part of its broader engagement in regional water governance and sustainable development.

Focusing on small river systems—an often-overlooked but critical component of Central Asia’s hydrological network—the workshop provided a timely platform to address water security in relation to food production, energy access, and ecosystem sustainability.

Key Outcomes and Highlights
Participants engaged in vibrant discussions and technical exchanges aimed at addressing pressing challenges and identifying practical, sustainable solutions. Major highlights of the workshop included:

• Assessment of current water management challenges in transboundary small rivers;

• Demonstrations of innovative water-saving technologies and data tools to support decision-making;

• Experience sharing from regional initiatives such as the Global Partnership for Shared Waters, Hydro4U, WE-ACT, ISTC, and CGIAR’s Policy Innovations Program;

• Enhanced dialogue on cross-border collaboration at the sub-basin level, a critical scale for implementing integrated water resource management (IWRM);

• A collaborative review of indicators for IWMI’s draft Agreement Template, developed under the Hydro4U project to support hydropower and water-sharing agreements.

The workshop not only facilitated meaningful exchanges between countries but also underscored the importance of cooperative, science-based approaches to managing shared water resources in the face of climate variability and growing demand.

Looking Ahead

Organizers and participants reaffirmed their commitment to ongoing collaboration and to strengthening the technical and institutional foundations needed for water security in Central Asia. The outcomes of this workshop are expected to feed directly into the implementation of regional projects and contribute to policy development at both national and basin levels.

As small rivers play an increasingly strategic role in local livelihoods and environmental health, the insights and cooperation fostered through this event mark a step forward toward more resilient and sustainable water systems in the region.

Author and Picture credits: Bunyod Holmatov, IWMI

From June 17–19, the Hydro4U project is bringing together a dynamic collaboration of institutions and experts for a hands-on field training in the Shakhimardan exclave of Uzbekistan. Led by the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) and the National Research University “Tashkent Institute of Irrigation and Agricultural Mechanization Engineers Institute,” this training is a vital step toward empowering the next generation of water professionals in Central Asia.

Hosted in partnership with the Scientific Research Institute of Irrigation and Water Problems (SRIIWP) and the Water Management Organization of Fergana Region (BUIS), the training will focus on enhancing technical skills for accurately measuring the discharge of small rivers, using both modern technologies and time-tested traditional methods. The Koksu River, a highland stream typical of the region, provides the perfect setting for this practical, immersive learning experience.

Why It Matters

Effective water management starts with good data. Understanding how much water is flowing through rivers and streams is critical to managing irrigation, supporting ecosystems, and planning for the future. This training aims to equip young professionals, doctoral students, and local specialists with the tools and knowledge needed to measure water flow accurately—even in challenging field conditions.

Training Objectives

The three-day training program is designed to:

• Enhance technical capacity in hydrometry and streamflow monitoring;
• Introduce a variety of measurement techniques suited for diverse environments;
• Promote innovative, data-driven approaches to managing water resources sustainably.

Methods and Tools in Focus

Participants will gain hands-on experience with three core methods of discharge measurement:

• Salt Dilution Method
  Ideal for shallow, turbulent streams like the Koksu and Aqsu, this method will be led by Dr. Shavkat Kenjabaev (IWMI). It’s especially suited to remote, mountainous environments where conventional instruments are difficult to deploy.

• Classical Flowmeter Technique (GR-21M)
  A staple of hydrological fieldwork, the GR-21M flowmeter method for measuring water velocity will be taught by Mr. Isakdjon Ibragimov (SRIIWP). This technique provides reliable baseline data and is essential for all hydrometrists.

• Modern Electromagnetic Velocimeter (MGG/KL-DCB)
  For those interested in the cutting edge, the MGG/KL-DCB device offers real-time, high-precision measurements of velocity and flow depth. This session will be led by a Hydromet specialist from BUIS Fergana.

A Step Toward Smarter Water Management

By blending traditional knowledge with modern technology, this training reflects Hydro4U’s commitment to building resilient, locally adapted solutions for water resource management. It’s not just about teaching methods—it’s about empowering communities and professionals to make informed decisions that support both people and ecosystems.

Stay tuned for updates and insights from the field!

Author and Picture credits: IWMI

Astana, Kazakhstan – On 1 June 2025, at EuroFest 2025, the European Union (EU) funded SECCA project unveiled the photo exhibition titled “The European Union – Central Asia: Faces of Sustainable Energy Development Cooperation”, as part of the EU–Kazakhstan Sustainable Energy Days.

This photo exhibition celebrates the human faces of sustainable energy cooperation between the EU and the Central Asian countries. It highlights individuals from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan – policymakers, engineers, students, researchers, educators, and others – who are driving the energy transition, advancing sustainable development, and taking actions – big or small – toward a greener and more resilient tomorrow for their countries and for generations to come.

Each portrait tells a real-life story: a journey of dedication, aspiration and inner strength. Together, they demonstrate that cooperation between the EU and Central Asia is not just about policies or technologies – it’s about people.

The exhibition will also be displayed later this year in other capital cities across the region as part of the Sustainable Energy Days in each country.

This article was written by SECCA and was originally published on June 3 2025 in English and Russian.

A delegation of 13 Ambassadors and representatives from the embassies of European Union Member States accredited in Uzbekistan participated in an annual joint study trip, this year focused on the Fergana Valley.

On 29–30 April 2025 a delegation of 13 Ambassadors and representatives from the embassies of European Union Member States accredited in Uzbekistan participated in an annual joint study trip, this year focused on the Fergana Valley. The visit aimed to gain deeper insight into water management challenges and explore opportunities made possible by EU-funded initiatives.

Upon arrival in Fergana, the delegation met with the team behind the EU-funded Fergana Valley Water Resources Management Project[1], which works to modernize irrigation and drainage services across Fergana, Andijan, and Namangan regions. Ambassadors had the opportunity to visit local farms and engage with farmers who are direct beneficiaries of the project. The modernisation efforts have led to reduced water losses, improved agricultural yields, and the introduction of new varieties of fruits and vegetables. The visit also highlighted the impact of EU-supported Farmer Field Schools, where farmers have adopted innovative agricultural practices and cutting-edge techniques.

The delegation then traveled to the Shakhimardan exclave to visit the HYDROPOWER FOR YOU project[2], funded under the EU’s Horizon Europe programme. This initiative showcases the successful application of academic research to real-world solutions. A consortium of 13 universities and research institutions, led by the Technical University of Munich, developed and commissioned a small hydropower plant that now supplies clean and stable electricity to the local community. The project not only benefits residents with a reliable and sustainable energy source, but also facilitates the exchange of knowledge and technical expertise among European and local partners.

The visit to Shakhimardan offered a rare glimpse into life in an exclave, highlighting the day-to-day challenges faced by residents of the Fergana Valley. The EU Ambassador to Uzbekistan Toivo Klaar emphasized the significance of Uzbekistan’s efforts to deepen regional cooperation with its Central Asian neighbours. He reiterated the EU’s readiness to share its experience in regional collaboration and integrated border management.

—

[1] Fergana Valley Water Resources Management Project”: Project Implementation Unit (PIU), Center for Implementation of Foreign Investment Projects in the Water Sector under the Ministry of Water Resources. Contacts : FVWRMP-P-II CENTER piu.fwrmp@gmail.com ; EU Grant piu.eug.fvwrmp@gmail.com.

[2] “Hydro4U project” – https://hydro4u.eu/ , contact: Project Co-ordinator Mr Bertalan Alapfy bertalan.alapfy@tum.de , Technical University Munich.

This article was written by the Press and information team of the Delegation to UZBEKISTAN and was originally published on May 2 2025 under the following link: https://www.eeas.europa.eu/delegations/uzbekistan/eu-ambassadors-visit-beneficiaries-eu-funded-projects-fergana-and-shakhimardan_en?s=233

Picture credits: Press and information team of the Delegation to Uzbekistan