IAForthcomingHORIZON-CL5-2027-07-D3-11

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

Horizon Europe

Per project€17M

1 phase

Deadline:2027-12-01

FundingLump Sum

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Strategic Analysis

This Innovation Action (IA) call focuses on demonstrating hydropower technologies for efficient and sustainable refurbishment of existing plants, aligning with EU climate neutrality goals, energy security, and biodiversity preservation. The winning angle will emphasize scalable, replicable solutions that balance energy flexibility with environmental sustainability, particularly fish migration and sediment dynamics, while ensuring cost-efficiency and resilience to climate change. Strong industry-academia collaboration and clear pathways to market uptake will be critical.

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Suggested TRL Range

TRL 4 → 8

Based on programme defaults

Scope Activities (11)

SC1

Demonstration of hydropower technology solutions which allow for efficient and forward-looking refurbishment of existing hydropower plants, ensuring socioeconomically and environmentally sustainable (including biodiversity) solutions with a respective assessment.

SC2

Innovative design of turbines (and also draft tubes, nozzles and distributors) and generators, including innovative improvements based on future load cycles and extending their intended life time.

SC3

New models and simulation tools for harsher operational conditions.

SC4

Digitalisation and artificial intelligence to advance instrumentation and controls and flexibility and to develop innovative operational strategies towards reduced O&M costs.

SC5

Transient aspect linked to new operating patterns of hydro plants to cope with climate changes and renewable base load.

SC6

New materials for increased efficiency and resistance of equipment and increased performance, life time and resilience of infrastructure including e.g. phasing out of PFAS and mineral oils; low-GHG balance concrete.

SC7

Automated maintenance of metal hydropower turbines to reduce cost, operator hazards and reduce LCoE related to OPEX.

SC8

Improving water uses resilience via integrated operations and management.

SC9

Simulation and forecasting tools for integrated risk and mitigation analysis for climate change adaptation and in response to extreme weather events by taking fully into account biodiversity requirements by targeting good ecological status and e.g. fish migration.

SC10

Water flows and sediment dynamics not hampering flexible hydropower production.

SC11

Innovative techniques for enhancing the life time of concrete structures and the overtopping safety of embankment and rockfill structures.

Expected Outcomes (3)

EO1

Enhancing the capacities of the hydropower fleet to contribute with variable renewables base load to a secure and stable electricity system, including by modernising grid integration and hydropower fleet control.

EO2

Increase technology leadership, competitiveness and technology export potential of European hydropower industry.

EO3

Address challenges of climate change adaptation for a forward-looking and stable operation of sustainable hydropower for the coming decades.