Hydropower operators are under increasing pressure to deliver flexibility as electricity systems absorb more intermittent generation. Against this backdrop, Alpiq has positioned research and development as a core part of its long-term strategy.
“Hydropower is at the core of our energy strategy, and it must evolve to stay competitive,” says Martin Boden, project engineer at Alpiq. “Power plants need to respond quickly to grid fluctuations, especially with the increasing presence of intermittent renewables like solar and wind.”
The HydroLEAP programme, running from 2020 to 2025 and co-financed by the Swiss Federal Office of Energy, brought together partners including EPFL, ETH Zurich and Forces Motrices Hongrin-Léman. Building on the earlier XFLEX Hydro project, it focused on adapting existing assets rather than developing new capacity.
According to Boden, the rationale is clear: “By investing in research, we anticipate the future needs of the electricity system, enabling us to adapt swiftly to market changes, enhance the performance of our facilities, and ensure long-term security of supply.”
Demonstrated innovations in operation
HydroLEAP centred on three demonstrators, including pumped storage facilities operated by FMHL and additional sites in Valais. The programme tested new operating modes and technologies designed to improve both flexibility and asset lifespan.
Boden highlights three developments with immediate operational relevance. “First, the introduction of new hydraulic bypass modes, which provide greater operational flexibility during pumping,” he explains. “Second, the installation of anti-vortex screens on the pumps at the Veytaux I power station – a straightforward yet highly effective solution that has significantly reduced vibrations and enhanced equipment reliability. Lastly, the development of non-intrusive vibration monitoring, which paves the way for smarter, predictive maintenance.”
These measures address key operational challenges: improving response times, reducing mechanical stress and enabling earlier fault detection. The project also supported upgrades to EPFL’s Hydraulic Machines Platform, reinforcing test capabilities for pump-turbine technologies that are seeing renewed global interest.
In parallel, HydroLEAP contributed to wider research efforts, including ReHydro project, which examines turbine wear caused by sediment-laden glacial water.
From pilot phase to wider deployment
With the project completed, Alpiq is moving to implementation. The transition from pilot testing to routine operation is already under way across several areas.
“We are moving forward with implementing the new hydraulic short-circuit modes, making minor adjustments to the automation systems as needed,” says Boden. “For the anti-vortex screens, we are considering extending their use to the other units at Veytaux I.”
Digitalisation also plays a role in the next phase. “The vibration monitoring system is already part of our predictive maintenance roadmap, integrated through the GuardHEX tool managed by HYDRO Exploitation,” he adds, noting that the platform originated from earlier collaborative pilot projects.
The outcomes of HydroLEAP suggest that incremental upgrades to existing hydropower assets can deliver measurable gains in flexibility and reliability. For operators facing similar system pressures, the project provides a model for combining applied research with practical deployment at scale.
Source: Alpiq
