Revolutionising hydropower grids with IoT software

An algorithm helps hydropower operators automatically plan for unforeseen events

Spotted: Globally, hydropower is the largest source of renewable energy, accounting for around 60 per cent of all global renewable generation. It is also the largest source of grid-scale energy storage in the form of pumped hydro, a technology that stores surplus energy by pumping water to a higher level, from which it can later be released to turn a turbine. Despite its widespread deployment, there are currently few products focusing on hydropower monitoring and optimisation in real time. One company that does take on this challenge is Hydrogrid Insight.

Hydrogrid Insight uses proprietary Heuristic Intelligent Plant Optimisation (HIRO) algorithms to analyse data from plant telemetry, operational and environmental restrictions, inflow forecasts, and price forecasts. This analysis enables hydropower operators to react in real time to weather events, minimise water losses, and automate power market trading. Hydrogrid’s system also aids in regulatory compliance, maintenance planning, reporting, and stakeholder management.

The system can be used with plants that have capacities ranging from 1 to 500 megawatts and more, and Hydrogrid already supports hydro operators in a number of countries.

The Austrian company has recently closed an $8.5 million (around €7.8 million) series A funding round. The round was led by Inven Capital and Karma Ventures, with contributions from existing investors CNB Capital and SET Ventures. The money will be used to fund international expansion.

Machine learning models are increasingly used in making energy facilities more efficient. Advances spotted by Springwise include a system that cuts carbon by providing hourly insights into grid emissions and AI systems that reduce the carbon footprint of data centres.

Written By: Lisa Magloff