The objective of the HYDROPOWER project is to provide a forum for all key players in the European hydropower sector (industry, research, policy makers, researchers and end users) and to define a strategic research and innovation agenda.
Challenge
Hydropower remains the largest source of renewable electricity across Europe, generating some 600 TWh of clean electricity in 2017, approximately 12% of Europe’s electricity generation. With more than 30% of the hydropower potential still untapped, this clean energy source has all the characteristics to serve as an excellent catalyst for a successful energy transition.
Solution
HYDROPOWER EUROPE will provide a forum for the entire European hydropower community: industry, research, policy makers, end-users and academia, active along its entire value chain. It will define a Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda (R&IA) and a Technology Roadmap (TR) that will aim to help and guide funding authorities, and in particular the European Commission, to prioritise support where it is most needed to adapt the sector to the constantly evolving energy system.
Results
HYDROPOWER EUROPE will increase hydropower production through the implementation of new environmentally friendly schemes, adapt and optimise infrastructures and equipment with innovative solutions for the mitigation of environmental impacts, increase storage by increasing existing dams and building new reservoirs, supporting food and water supply, contributing to the Water-Energy-Food NEXUS and to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
In the final phase, ZABALA completed the detailed analysis of potential mechanisms, drew up the conclusions of the study and prepared a series of proposals to improve the existing mechanisms.
Zabala Innovation worked on monitoring regional R&I policies in Spain, within the RIM project.
Zabala's role was crucial in supporting the leader in executing the interviews with the various stakeholders involved, designing the strategic workshops and analysing the information available mainly for Spain.
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Opinion
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Raquel Maeztu
Senior Consultant in European Projects and leader in the European Project Management Area.
Publication
INNOVATION CONSULTANCY
With this document, written by our colleague Guillermo Dorronsoro, we want to offer you a guide to carry out an innovation strategy in your company
We lead leading European projects and studies in different sectors, such as smart cities, energy and environment, ICT, biotechnology and open innovation. Our goal is to innovate and to create new paths within the European innovation ecosystem.
The important thing is not to keep moving, but rather to know in which direction to go. Our 37% success rate proves that we know how to guide our clients.
Our compass is our clients; our mission is to solve their problems, guiding them so that innovation becomes their key to competitiveness.
