Unlocking Hidden Hydropower: Key Insights from the PEN@Hydropower Round Table

On October 10th, the School of Industrial Engineering of Barcelona (ETSEIB) was host to a vibrant round table event organized by COST Action CA21104 PEN@Hydropower, under Working Group 2, titled "Technology Innovations & Digitalisation in Hydropower." The session brought together experts in sustainable hydropower to discuss the potential of hidden hydropower solutions in water networks and distribution systems. With an audience spanning industry, academia, and policy, both in-person and online, the discussions emphasized innovative ways to tap into underutilized hydropower resources for a more resilient and renewable energy future.

Exploring the Potential of Hidden Hydropower

Moderated by Prof. Pavel Rudolf from Brno University of Technology, the event began with a deep dive into hidden hydropower opportunities and the technologies that make them viable. In his opening remarks, Prof. Rudolf highlighted the need to explore unconventional hydropower sources within existing water infrastructure. He pointed out that as energy demand rises, hidden hydropower could serve as a valuable, sustainable resource.

Key Presentations

• Prof. Tullio Tucciarelli, University of Palermo
  Prof. Tucciarelli led the first session with a presentation on “Hidden Hydropower in Water Networks,” offering insights into Sicily’s untapped hydropower potential. His research showcases how water networks across urban and agricultural landscapes can be optimized to generate renewable energy, unlocking benefits without extensive new construction. Through his case study, he provided a roadmap for deploying such solutions in other water networks, paving the way for localized, efficient energy generation.

• Dr. Miguel Crespo Chacon, CTO, EasyHydro
  Dr. Crespo Chacon’s presentation, "How to Generate Renewable Energy from Water Pipes? Solution and Case Studies," explored how existing water infrastructure, such as municipal water pipes, can be transformed into renewable energy sources. Focusing on digitalization and hybrid coupling systems, Dr. Crespo highlighted solutions designed to fit into various scales of water distribution networks, from urban settings to remote areas, offering promising avenues for sustainable energy integration.

• Prof. Giovanna Cavazzini, University of Padova and H-HOPE Project Leader
  Prof. Cavazzini presented on “Energy Harvesting in Water Distribution Networks,” delving into low-power solutions that enable energy generation in water distribution and irrigation systems. Her talk emphasized the role of these systems in powering sensors and monitoring devices—critical for efficient water management. This approach not only promotes energy self-sufficiency in water systems but also supports precision agriculture and real-time monitoring, which are vital for both energy and water conservation.

A Collaborative Vision for the Future

The event concluded with a Q&A session where speakers and attendees exchanged ideas on advancing hidden hydropower technologies. Participants agreed on the potential of hidden hydropower to contribute to Europe’s renewable energy targets by tapping into existing infrastructure. They also stressed the importance of collaboration across sectors to develop these solutions and address technical challenges.