The European ReHydro project aims to modernise and rehabilitate existing hydroelectric power stations to enhance their contribution to Europe's energy transition. Faced with an ageing hydroelectric fleet, the effects of climate change and increasing environmental requirements, ReHydro is developing innovative solutions to improve the performance, flexibility and sustainability of these facilities.
The project is based on an integrated approach combining optimisation of hydraulic machines, advanced operating strategies, digitalisation and intelligent monitoring tools. The aim is to increase energy efficiency, adapt power plants to more flexible operation and reduce operating costs through predictive maintenance methods and equipment life extension.
A central theme of ReHydro is reducing the environmental impact of hydroelectric power stations. The project is developing and evaluating solutions aimed at improving ecological continuity, limiting the effects of hydropeaking and optimising the management of residual flows, while maintaining reliable electricity production. The proposed technologies and methods are being tested and validated at several pilot sites in Europe, guaranteeing their robustness and transferability. By encouraging collaboration between research institutes, industry and operators, ReHydro provides concrete, reproducible tools to support the modernisation of hydroelectric facilities. In this way, ReHydro is helping to consolidate the role of hydropower as a flexible, sustainable and essential pillar of a European energy system based on renewable energies.
The Hydro Alps Lab is coordinating WP1 Demonstrating the sustainable renovation of hydroelectric power stations.
