When Philipp Parrer made the move from software startups into the hydropower sector, it wasn’t because he’d suddenly developed a fascination with turbines. It was about something more powerful – impact.
“What really brought me to HYDROGRID was the combination of two things I care deeply about,” says Parrer. “Cutting-edge technology and making a real impact.” That blend now defines his mission at HYDROGRID, where he serves as Head of Product, helping to shape a platform that supports hydropower operators across the globe. “It’s super exciting to help shape a product that not only improves operations, but also supports the energy transition.”
With a background in tech and international scaling at companies like Anyline, Parrer is now applying lessons learned in fast-moving digital environments to a sector often seen as slow to change. “Digitalisation often fails when it becomes too complex, too quickly,” he notes. “Companies want to improve, but they sometimes get lost in large IT projects that are taking too long or never get fully used.”
That’s where HYDROGRID aims to be different. Its flagship product, HYDROGRID Insight, is positioned as a modular, user-friendly optimisation platform that simplifies complex decision-making in hydropower. “Our platform brings everything together in one place – from inflow forecasts to production plans and compliance rules,” he says. “What used to take hours, and multiple spreadsheets can now be done in minutes with much more precision.”
From spreadsheets to smart decisions
Hydropower’s digital transformation has often been piecemeal, hampered by legacy systems and stretched operational teams. “Technology isn’t always built with the user in mind,” Parrer observes. “If the tool is not intuitive or doesn’t fit into the daily workflows, people simply won’t use it, even if it’s powerful.”
HYDROGRID Insight is built specifically with that in mind. “We’re changing the game by making our platform easy to use, even for plants that are not fully automated,” says Parrer. Whether a plant operator is brand new or has decades of experience, the goal is the same: clarity and control. “You log in and you see, okay, I don’t really understand what the water value is. You click on the question mark, and it explains it. You don’t need to run through 50 pages of documentation.”
Usability is at the heart of HYDROGRID Insight’s design. Engineers can get up and running quickly, without extensive training. “That’s crucial,” says Parrer, “because even the most powerful tool is useless if it’s too complicated or sits unused in a corner.”
Simplicity from day one
As Head of Product, Parrer’s priorities are clear: simplicity, fast setup, and adaptability. “My top priority is to make sure HYDROGRID Insight becomes the most helpful tool for hydropower operators and asset managers,” he says. That means reducing friction during onboarding and focusing on what users actually need – often through direct feedback loops.
One recent example? A feature allowing operators to manually input data and immediately see optimisation results – before any SCADA system integration. “This way, you can start from day one, see the value in your day-to-day work, and then later connect to your SCADA system.”
It’s a flexible approach that acknowledges the realities many plants face. “We support different levels of integration depending on what the customer is ready for. Some just want to upload spreadsheets. Others want full automation. We can support both – and everything in between.”
Real-time tools
As the energy transition accelerates, hydropower is being asked to do more. “We see more renewables, so hydropower is needed more than ever to balance wind and solar,” says Parrer. “To play this role, the plants need to become more flexible and more reactive. That requires digital tools.”
The HYDROGRID Insight platform leans heavily into real-time analytics and machine learning. “Instead of just reacting to weather, the system can predict inflows and suggest the best production plan ahead of time,” he explains. “If conditions change, like a sudden flood, the software can recalculate very quickly – much faster than managing it manually or in scattered technologies.”
And it’s not just about faster response. “Digital tools help ensure environmental limits are always respected – like minimum flow or reservoir levels – without needing constant manual oversight,” Parrer adds.
Machine learning also improves over time. “The system learns how your plant behaves, how weather impacts your reservoir, and gets better every day at making accurate suggestions.”
Start simple
Parrer is well aware that trust is often the biggest barrier to adoption. “Some teams are unsure if digital tools will really make a difference. Others worry they don’t have the time or resources to start,” he says. But by starting small and demonstrating clear value fast, HYDROGRID has been able to build confidence. “You don’t need a big IT team or months of setup. Start simple – Excel upload, API mapping – then scale step by step.”
Ultimately, the focus is on supporting people, not replacing them. “There’s so much work to do and will be in the future. Having a tool at your hand that supports you, gives you a suggestion, and lets you refine it – that’s what we’re aiming for,” says Parrer.
That philosophy is embedded into the platform design. “The focus is on enabling teams to be able to handle the increasing complexity of the power markets with the same personell resorces. This means that even though data volume may quadruple with the shift to 15 minute market balancing, the operational team size can stay the same,” he says. “Machine learning and AI enables control room staff to make strategic decisions much quicker while keeping full clarity of the situation through data visualisation.”
Results
So, what kind of results can operators expect from digitalisation? According to Parrer, they’re significant – and measurable. “On average, customers see up to 10% more energy from the same water. In volatile markets, even up to 50% more revenue,” he says. “We also see around three and a half hours saved per week on daily planning and reporting. Everything’s in one solution and automatically prepared.”
Other benefits include fewer mistakes, less manual work, and – perhaps most importantly – peace of mind. “You know the plant is solid, optimised and safe, even if things change quickly.”
Parrer also highlights regulatory compliance. “Our platform ensures environmental and operational limits are always respected, and that reduces risk. That kind of built-in reliability is hard to overstate.”
Trends driving digital hydropower
The shift toward digitalisation isn’t happening in isolation. Broader trends are reshaping hydro’s role in the energy landscape – amplifying the need for smart systems.
“One major trend is the increasing penetration of renewables. Hydro is the flexible backbone that can stabilise the grid,” says Parrer. “But to do that effectively, it has to respond to changing conditions faster than ever.”
He also points to the complexity of electricity markets. “In Europe, price signals now shift every 15 minutes. That level of granularity is impossible to manage manually across multiple plants.”
Another driver is workforce transition. “Many operators want fewer night shifts, less repetitive manual work. Digital tools help make that possible.”
Automation is growing, but it doesn’t mean operators are being sidelined. “The goal is to give teams better tools so they can focus on higher-value tasks, not to take control away,” Parrer emphasises.
HYDROGRID’s reach is international, and the company is seeing digital momentum build across several key regions. “Scandinavia and the Alpine region – Switzerland, Austria, Germany – are definitely leading in terms of fleet-level optimisation,” Parrer says. “Latin American countries like Brazil are also pushing ahead, especially to handle changing water patterns and reduce spillage.”
In North America, digitalisation is picking up in regions where hydropower is increasingly called upon to stabilise grids flooded with intermittent solar and wind. “California is a good example – they’re adding smart controls to make plants more responsive and integrated with the broader system.”
What unites these success stories? “They all start small, prove the value, and then scale,” he says. “You don’t need a perfect setup on day one.”
Advice for getting started
For companies just beginning their digital journey – especially smaller operators – Parrer’s advice is straightforward: “Pick one plant, one team, or one challenge, and solve it with a digital tool. Show the value, build trust, then scale from there.”
He also stresses choosing the right partner. “Look for someone who listens and can adapt to your setup, not someone offering a one-size-fits-all approach.”
Finally, he encourages early and open communication with plant teams. “Your people are the key to success. Get them involved early. Show them how it works. That’s where the momentum starts.”
Digital tools, human outcomes
In the end, Parrer believes digital tools must be measured by how they improve daily life for plant teams. “Success means operators can manage their plants better, faster, and with more confidence,” he says. “It’s not just about technology; it’s about solving real problems.”
For HYDROGRID, that means being more than just a software provider. “We don’t want to be just a vendor. We want to be a trusted partner in hydropower operations,” says Parrer.
