Working Group 2
The technological evolution requirements for innovative solutions are explored to tackle the foreseen ambitious scenarios. Additionally, digitalization aspects have to be considered.
They will pave the way toward increasing hydropower competitiveness and enhancing grid flexibility, stability, safety, and resilience.
Tasks
T2.1 Classification and reviewing of available disruptive technologies and innovative concepts in the hydropower sector including technical, environmental and economic constrains targeting ancillary services markets challenges where flexibility is valorised;
T2.2 Assessing and defining current barriers for digitalization in hydropower sector (technical, economic and social aspects), outlining trends in predictive operation and maintenance and defining strategy for implementation of digitalization for upgraded or refurbished hydropower plants.
Activities
Establishing pan-European collaboration on disruptive technologies in hydropower and strategies for further enhancements.
Multidisciplinary workshops with experts across mechanical engineering (turbine and equipment innovations, lifetime predictions, digital twin), electrical engineering (generator, smart grid, distributed energy sources), business (trading, block chain, workforce management), ecology and sustainability (weather variability and climate changes), IT (big data, clouds, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity) to cover all aspects of digitalization and their mutual interactions.