Socially and Environmentally harmonized HYDRopower Operations
Balancing hydropower flexibility with ecological preservation and social acceptance
Hydropower currently provides around one third of Europe’s renewable electricity and is essential for providing grid flexibility and ensuring a resilient European power system. However, increasing the operational flexibility of energy systems must not come at the expense of healthy rivers or public trust. SE-Hydro is developing the next generation of hydropower management solutions, combining advanced digital technologies, ecological approaches and participatory governance to help hydropower plants (HPP) operate more flexibly while protecting ecosystems and responding to societal expectations. As one of the first Horizon Europe Societal Readiness Pilot (SRP) projects, SE-Hydro places local communities and stakeholders at the heart of innovation, strengthening hydropower’s long-term sustainability.
Our ambition
Build trust and shared governance for sustainable hydropower
Citizens, hydropower operators, public authorities and environmental organisations are engaged in transparent decision-making, ensuring that hydropower operation reflects local needs and environmental priorities.
Improve environmental and social LCA assessment and screening
SE-Hydro delivers environmental and hydrological LCA models that help operators anticipate ecological impacts and optimise water management, improving rivers health and biodiversity as well as long term HPP planning.
Enhance the operational flexibility of hydropower plants
SE-Hydro develops AI-driven HPP operational management and portfolio optimisation models that enhance the flexibility and operational performance of HPPs, while integrating environmental constraints. SE-Hydro will investigate and stress test turbine configuration for increased flexibility window at HPP infrastructure level.
Validate innovative solutions across four European pilot sites
SE-hydro validates its solutions through digital replicas of four hydropower pilot sites representing different hydropower configuration. Innovative business models and recommendations will be developed to support future uptake.
