In a stride towards enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of hydropower systems, a consortium led by members of the International Hydropower Association (IHA) has finalized a pivotal publication titled “Recommendations Towards the Deployment of Hydropower Flexibility Technologies” as part of the XFLEX HYDRO project.

The XFLEX HYDRO project is also an European Union Horizon 2020 research and innovation project with the objective to show hydropower’s technical and strategic role in demonstrating how renewable-based generation can be achieved in a secure and reliable manner. Thanks to this project, the sector has gained a better understanding of the flexibility that the existing EU hydropower fleet can provide to the electrical system, and demonstrated how, using a set of innovative technologies, this flexibility potential can be optimised and enhanced. 

The project puts hydropower at the forefront of innovation, strengthening the industry’s know-how, improving its technology export potential, and facilitating job creation. This document is designed to speak to a wide range of stakeholders and its content is laid out in a manner so that the relevant information is clear, accessible, and actionable by the reader. The technical part of this report provides the key takeaways from the project and enables plant owners and energy experts to identify opportunities to introduce some of the findings in their plants.

For instance, this are the seven key recommendations that emerged:

1. 1. Recognise and value hydro flexibility as an essential service to the power system to achieve a successful energy transition.‍
   2. Remove regulatory barriers for unrestricted implementation and operation of hydro flexibility technologies.‍
   3. Provide remuneration mechanisms enabling investment in flexibility.
   4. Facilitate cross-border collaboration for efficient exchange of flexibility services.  ‍
   5. Streamline licensing renewals for optimised hydropower operations.
   6. Conduct system-level analysis to anticipate and address future flexibility needs.
   7. Promote support mechanisms for the modernisation of ageing hydropower infrastructure.

Download the full report here. Also, a more concise article developing the 7 policy recommendations is available. 

Dear hydropower operators, 

We are excited to invite you to participate in the joint survey conducted by the IEA Hydro & IHA joint project. This survey focuses on the operation of hydropower and its crucial role in water resource management. Your expertise is highly valued, and we are eager to hear your insights for helping shape future sustainable water management practices.

Thank you in advance for your participation.

Here are the survey links:

• • Part 1 of the survey
  • Part 2 of the survey

For background information on the project, you can check the Annex XVIII - Decision Support for Comprehensive Utilization of Basin Water Resources - IEA Hydropower.

The deadline is 30 April. Should you have any questions, please reach out to the project leads, whose information can be found at the bottom of the survey.

Thursday, March 14th, 2024, 2pm (CET).
 
Discover how sustainable energy storage is revolutionizing the renewable energy landscape. With wind and solar energy relying heavily on weather conditions, it's essential to explore innovative solutions for storing this renewable power.
 
Introducing the live webinar, "Exploring the Future of Renewable Energy Storage in the Seas," where we'll delve into the potential of pumped hydro storage in low-lying areas. This technology, traditionally thought to be limited by a lack of natural heads and efficient low-head turbines, is now taking centre stage.
 
With a panel of international experts, the potential for a large 2 GW dam in the North Sea will be presented.

  Register here: https://alpheus-h2020.eu/exploring-the-future-of-renewable-energy-storage-in-the-seas/