Demonstration of hydropower technologies for efficient and forward-looking refurbishment of existing hydropower plants

Quel est l’objet de cet appel ?

The call funds demonstrations of technologies for refurbishing existing hydropower plants, such as new turbine designs, digital control, new materials and climate adaptation, with sustainability assessments.

Que finance cet appel ?

Scope

This Horizon Innovation Action demonstrates technology solutions for the efficient and forward-looking refurbishment of existing hydropower plants. Solutions must be socio-economically and environmentally sustainable, including for biodiversity, and include an assessment of this.

Examples of issues that can be addressed

• Innovative design of turbines, draft tubes, nozzles, distributors and generators, based on future load cycles and longer lifetime.
• New models and simulation tools for harsher operating conditions, and transient aspects of new operating patterns.
• Digitalisation and artificial intelligence for instrumentation, control, flexibility and lower operation and maintenance costs.
• New materials, including phasing out PFAS and mineral oils, low-greenhouse-gas concrete and automated maintenance of metal turbines.
• Integrated water management, climate risk and extreme weather forecasting, fish migration, sediment dynamics, and longer life and safety of concrete, embankment and rockfill structures.

Expected outcomes

A hydropower fleet better able to support a secure, stable renewables-based electricity system, stronger technology leadership and export potential of European hydropower industry, and stable operation adapted to climate change. Activities are expected to reach TRL 6-7 by the end of the project.

Quelle est la date limite ?

1er décembre 2027 (390 jours)

1 December 2027 (single-stage submission). Planned opening date: 4 August 2027.