RenewHydro - Norwegian research center for renewal of hydropower technology
Hydropower currently supplies ~50% of the world's low-carbon electricity and its capacity has grown by 70% globally over the past 20 years. Its share of total generation has remained stable due to growth of other energy sources such as wind, solar PV, coal and natural gas. In Norway, hydropower plays a unique role producing 88% of the electrical energy in 2022, being the pillar of the energy system, providing much needed flexibility to balance influx of unregulated renewable power. New and innovative flexible hydropower solutions can enable a faster and broader transition to a carbon-neutral energy system.
Flexible hydropower implies more frequent starts and stops; up and down ramping of plants, waterways and dams and new requirements for grid stabilization. Such production modes need to consider nature and environment in watercourses, be optimized in relation to new markets designs and adapted to effects of climate change with less predictable rain and snow melting and drier dry-years. These effects redefine hydropower's boundary conditions.
RenewHydro will work closely with hydropower industry and government to ensure high relevance for industry and society. Research activities shall focus on technology in synergy with economics, natural, climate and social sciences, as reflected in four multidisciplinary research programs:
FP: Framework program
Provide frameworks for technical, economic, climate and environmental conditions for hydropower.
RP1: Future hydropower plants
Develop innovative, economically and environmentally sustainable technology for enhanced hydropower flexibility.
RP2: More power and energy from hydropower
Explore potential and designs for sustainable large-scale expansion of hydropower for vital flexibility services and security of supply.
RP3: Hydropower in a changing climate
Develop innovative solutions and services to adapt, mitigate and enhance hydropower.
RenewHydro - Norwegian research center for renewal of hydropower technology
Hydropower currently supplies ~50% of the world's low-carbon electricity and its capacity has grown by 70% globally over the past 20 years. Its share of total generation has remained stable due to growth of other energy sources such as wind, solar PV, coal and natural gas. In Norway, hydropower plays a unique role producing 88% of the electrical energy in 2022, being the pillar of the energy system, providing much needed flexibility to balance influx of unregulated renewable power. New and innovative flexible hydropower solutions can enable a faster and broader transition to a carbon-neutral energy system.
Flexible hydropower implies more frequent starts and stops; up and down ramping of plants, waterways and dams and new requirements for grid stabilization. Such production modes need to consider nature and environment in watercourses, be optimized in relation to new markets designs and adapted to effects of climate change with less predictable rain and snow melting and drier dry-years. These effects redefine hydropower's boundary conditions.
RenewHydro will work in closely with hydropower industry and government to ensure high relevance for industry and society. Research activities shall focus on technology in synergy with economics, natural, climate and social sciences, as reflected in four multidisciplinary research programs:
FP: Framework program
Provide frameworks for technical, economic, climate and environmental conditions for hydropower.
RP1: Future hydropower plants
Develop innovative, economically and environmentally sustainable technology for enhanced hydropower flexibility.
RP2: More power and energy from hydropower
Explore potential and designs for sustainable large-scale expansion of hydropower for vital flexibility services and security of supply.
RP3: Hydropower and climate adaptations
Develop innovative solutions and services to adapt, mitigate and enhance hydropower.