Hydropower Market Trends - Key trends include digital hydro operations, small-scale power plants, and sustainable run-of-river hydro developments.

Key market trends indicate a move toward decentralization, digitalization, and flexibility.

Flexibility and Storage: The paramount trend is the shift from baseload power to providing flexible, on-demand power and ancillary grid services, with PSH being the primary technology for large-scale storage.

Digitalization: Advanced sensors, machine learning, and digital twins are optimizing operations, enhancing efficiency, and enabling predictive maintenance, which is crucial for older fleets.

Small Hydro: Small and micro-hydropower systems are seeing renewed interest, particularly in remote regions or mini-grids, as they offer lower environmental impact and faster deployment compared to large-scale dams.

Environmental Mitigation: There is a pronounced trend toward designing "fish-friendly" turbines and optimizing minimum environmental flow regimes to address ecological impacts and secure social license to operate.

FAQ on Hydropower Market Trends
What is a primary non-capacity function hydropower is increasingly being used for? Grid flexibility and ancillary services, such as black start capability, frequency regulation, and providing reserve capacity to quickly compensate for sudden drops in wind or solar output.

How is digitalization changing hydropower operations? It allows for remote monitoring, real-time optimization of water flow, and predictive maintenance, drastically reducing unexpected downtime and improving overall efficiency.

What is a "fish-friendly" turbine? A turbine design that minimizes injury and mortality to fish passing through the generating unit, often featuring larger gate openings, slower rotation speeds, and smooth blade contours.