Demonstration of hydropower technologies for efficient and forward-looking refurbishment of existing hydropower plants

Expected Outcome:

For a renewables-based electricity system sufficient flexible and also in the long-run fully sustainable hydropower capacity is pivotal.

Project results are expected to contribute to all of the following expected outcomes:

• Enhancing the capacities of the hydropower fleet to contribute with variable renewables base load to a secure and stable electricity system, including by modernising grid integration and hydropower fleet control.
• Increase technology leadership, competitiveness and technology export potential of European hydropower industry.
• Address challenges of climate change adaptation for a forward-looking and stable operation of sustainable hydropower for the coming decades.

Scope:

Demonstration of hydropower technology solutions which allow for efficient and forward-looking refurbishment of existing hydropower plants. Provided solutions must be socioeconomically and environmentally sustainable (including biodiversity) and provide a respective assessment. Issues which can be addressed are for example: Innovative design of turbines (and also draft tubes, nozzles and distributors) and generators, including innovative improvements based on future load cycles and extending their intended life time; new models and simulation tools for harsher operational conditions; digitalisation and artificial intelligence to advance instrumentation and controls and flexibility and to develop innovative operational strategies towards reduced O&M costs; transient aspect linked to new operating patterns of hydro plants to cope with climate changes and renewable base load; new materials for increased efficiency and resistance of equipment and increased performance, life time and resilience of infrastructure including e.g. phasing out of PFAS and mineral oils; low-GHG balance concrete; automated maintenance of metal hydropower turbines to reduce cost; operator hazards and reduce LCoE related to OPEX; Improving water uses resilience via integrated operations and management; simulation and forecasting tools for integrated risk and mitigation analysis for climate change adaptation and in response to extreme weather events by taking fully into account biodiversity requirements by targeting good ecological status and e.g. fish migration; water flows and sediment dynamics not hampering flexible hydropower production, innovative techniques for enhancing the life time of concrete structures and the overtopping safety of embankment and rockfill structures.

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