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

Di cosa tratta questo bando?

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.

Cosa finanzia questo bando?

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.

Quando scade il bando?

1º dicembre 2027 (390 giorni)

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