The D-HYDROFLEX team took part in HYDRO 2025 this October, an event that brought together more than 1000 international hydropower specialists from 69 countries. Our project joined Session 36: European initiatives supporting hydropower. The session was chaired by Prof. Anton Schleiss, Coordinator of ETIP Hydropower and Honorary President of ICOLD, and brought together key European projects working to strengthen the role of hydropower in the energy transition.
This session focused on how new research initiatives funded by the European Commission are helping Europe move toward a more flexible, secure, and low-carbon energy system. Several recently launched projects shared their goals, early findings, and technological approaches, highlighting hydropower’s essential contribution to the EU Green Deal and a sustainable electricity mix.
D-HYDROFLEX contributed to the programme with the presentation “Flexibility in hydropower with D-HYDROFLEX”, delivered by Katerina Drivakou from Ubitech Energy. Our presentation explored the growing challenges that hydropower operators face as the need for system flexibility increases—especially with more variable renewable energy entering the grid.
We showed how digitalisation can be a powerful enabler of flexibility, showcasing tools developed within D-HYDROFLEX such as:
- Digital twins for real-time modelling and better operational decisions
- Predictive maintenance systems that reduce downtime and improve reliability
- Decision-support platforms that help operators respond to changing grid and market conditions
- Biodiversity monitoring technologies to ensure flexible operation remains environmentally responsible
- Cybersecurity measures to protect increasingly digital hydropower infrastructure
We also shared insights from our pilot sites in Poland, Romania, Spain, France, and Greece, where these solutions are already being tested. Early results show clear benefits in terms of higher energy yields, better resource use, greater operational flexibility, and improved environmental performance.
It was also an excellent opportunity to network with other European research initiatives featured in the session, including STOR-HY, ReHydro, HiDeStor, and H-HOPE, building valuable connections for future collaboration.
Participating in HYDRO 2025 gave D-HYDROFLEX a valuable opportunity to exchange ideas with other European projects and contribute to the wider conversation on how hydropower can support Europe’s climate and energy objectives. We look forward to continuing this dialogue and sharing more progress as our work advances.
