The hydropower sector is described as undergoing a profound digital transformation which is enabling it to stride towards a more sustainable and efficient future. As the industry moves closer to securing a safe, sustainable and competitive energy supply, advanced digital technologies and sensors are being integrated into plants.
Described as digital replicas of physical systems, digital twins are being used for monitoring, simulation, and predictive analysis and have been successfully installed at Verbund’s Rabenstein power plant and the Alder Dam in the US state of Washington, amongst others.
Continued progress in artificial intelligence and machine learning has led to ‘a new age’ of optimised maintenance practices. Real-time monitoring is being used for effective hydropower plant management, with digitisation playing a vital role in environmental and biodiversity monitoring at reservoirs. Significant advancements are also being made in autonomous water quality monitoring.
The various opportunities for the digitisation of hydropower include enhanced operational efficiency, increased lifespan of assets, improved environmental monitoring, cost savings, and data-driven decision making. However there are still various challenges to overcome, such as:
- Integration with existing systems – Integrating new technologies with existing infrastructure requires careful planning and execution.
- Cybersecurity concerns – Higher digitalisation provides more opportunities and vulnerabilities toward cyberattacks.
- High initial investment – The adoption of advanced digital technologies often requires significant upfront investment.
- Skill development – Successful implementation requires skilled personnel proficient in the latest tools and techniques.
- Regulatory and compliance issues – Navigating the complex regulatory landscape can represent a challenge when implementing new technologies.
Technical evolution
Modernisation can be seen as an opportunity to help fully exploit hydropower’s potential. In their research published in Renewable Energy, Vagnoni et al present a review of the digitalisation solutions and innovative technologies that will support the growth of a new generation of sustainable hydropower, together with modernisation opportunities for existing hydropower plants.
Looking at the European industry, the authors say the results of their work have practical implications for stakeholders in the hydropower sector and policymakers, highlighting the need for supportive frameworks and adequate markets to fully exploit European hydropower’s potential in achieving energy transition goals.
Vagnoni et al say that flexibility and digitalisation are key requirements for the successful implementation of the zero-emission energy scenario. They should be implemented in all areas of the energy system, from power generation to stronger transmission and distribution systems, storage, and more flexible demand.
Flexibility development should address storage needs of future electricity systems and the role of hydropower as a contributor to energy system resilience. The impacts to the environment, the authors go on to discuss, such as hydropeaking and the effect of hydropower on the continuity of underwater life, must be addressed, and where possible transboundary dimensions of hydropower sustainability standard should be considered.
“Flexibility development must occur through advances in digitisation and innovation”, they state, adding that although the European hydropower sector exhibits a good level of digitalisation, it has not been fully exploited.
As their report states: “The latest technological solutions do not seem to have been uniformly adopted across European countries, confirming the need for knowledge transfer between stakeholders. For instance, the unmanned operation of hydropower plants must be improved, as must be the number of pumped storage type hydropower plants be increased.”
Furthermore, Europe’s ageing hydropower fleet “offers a great opportunity for promoting innovative refurbishment strategies to increase the sustainability of hydropower worldwide”.
Swedish digitalisation
Investment manager Downing is partnering with HYDROGRID to improve the efficiency and sustainability of its hydropower operations in Sweden. The partnership will focus on digitalising Downing’s 45MW fleet of 32 hydropower plants, using advanced technology to boost performance and automation. Various modules from full cascade optimisation to basic inflow integration will be implemented.
Ulf Wennilsjo, Portfolio Manager and General Manager of Downing Sweden, said that HYDROGRID’s technology is a cornerstone of their digitalisation journey, helping to future-proof Downing’s small-scale cascades.
The project includes the introduction of an advanced water management platform to support the first Downing hydropower plant’s entry into the capacity market under FCR-N and FCR-D. Downing will also collaborate with OneNordic for operations and maintenance to ensure effective data communication and operational efficiency.
The water sector
The water sector is described as transitioning into its so-called ‘fourth revolution’ as it moves towards the more sustainable and resilient management of water. With global climate change increasing uncertainty about water availability and quality, the implementation of digital technologies is helping it to react to rising water demands that are compounded by the impacts of climate change and water quality issues.
As Christine Walter explains in her research published in Geoforum, the water industry is “encountering the mega-trend of digitalisation”. Through adopting digital technologies, the sector has the opportunity to address the 21st-century water risks early on. New technologies will increase the knowledge of water supply, water demand and other water data which can be used to inform public policy or new investments.
Digital technologies will also allow for the collection and sharing of data more easily between different spatial scales and manage things such as the water flow from afar, through remote monitoring. Additionally, new relations are being formed through the digital technologies themselves.
From the University of Augsburg in Germany, Walter “portrays a positive and optimistic future” for the development of the water sector which can be achieved through the implementation of digital technologies.
European Union
Digital solutions can play a pivotal role in bolstering efforts to scale-up renewable energy. New research in the Journal of Energy & Natural Resources Law, says that in order to fully unlock the potential of digitalisation in the transition towards sustainable energy systems, the EU and its member states need to:
- Accelerate work on a common European energy data space, characterised by interoperable data standards, effective incentives for data sharing and adequate data protection and privacy safeguards for consumers.
- Put in place the necessary safeguards regarding cybersecurity of energy networks to ensure that digital transformation does not jeopardise the resilience of EU energy systems.
- Use financial tools to accelerate the deployment of digital solutions in the energy sector and equip existing networks with the necessary digital infrastructure.
