An ambitious research project on flexible hydropower in future energy systems is receiving support from the EU Horizon 2020 research and innovation program, participant Multiconsult has announced.
The purpose of the HydroFlex project is to develop new technology that allows for a very flexible operation of hydropower plants. The HydroFlex project will also assess the environmental and socio-economic impacts of flexible hydropower throughout all life cycle stages, explained Bjarne Børresen, Multiconsult’s Section Head of Hydropower Mechanical.
The Norwegian University of Technology and Science brought together key players from the entire value chain in the hydropower industry for the project. In addition to a number of European academic partners, the business partners in the program consist of Multiconsult, Lyse Produksjon, Rainpower Norge, Vattenfall , Statkraft, ABB, SINTEF Energy Research and EDR & Medeso. The project will last for four years with a budget of over €5.7 million in the period 2018-2021.
“The project consists of six work packages,” explained Børresen. “Multiconsult contributes to all work packages and has the main responsibility for the activity WP6 “Communication, Dissemination and Exploitation”. WP6 will carry out activities for the effective dissemination and exploitation of the project results. The activities will focus on bringing high value scientific and technical results from the research out to the hydropower industry stakeholders. Our participation in the project is motivated by contributing to the development of a flexible and sustainable energy system and bridging the technology gaps that currently exists in the system.”