Go to projects

Hydropower

SHERPA

Climate, Natural Resources and Environment

7

Partners

4

Countries

3.8 M€

Total Budget

42

Months

SHERPA

Challenge

Hydropower is crucial for clean energy, but hydraulic turbines often face efficiency and damage issues due to fluctuating demands and environmental flow constraints. Operating outside their optimal range increases maintenance costs and risks component damage. SHERPA addresses these challenges by focusing on improving turbine performance, durability, and water quality, while also positively impacting biodiversity through advanced design, modeling, and sensor tools to optimize operations across various flow conditions.

Solution

SHERPA aims to develop technologies to refurbish hydropower plants, including: 1) AM metallic patches for damage reduction, 2) adaptive rotational speed strategies, 3) air injection systems for improved water quality, and 4) new runner designs for E-flows. Through modeling, simulation, and monitoring, SHERPA will assess these solutions for energy output, flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and biodiversity impact, aiming to expand operational capacity without compromising plant lifespan, economic viability, or environmental and social impact.

Impacts

The project results will stive to maintain the availability of the existing hydropower fleet as a flexible power supplier in future markets, boost Europe’s leadership and competitiveness in hydropower technology, reduce costs while improving the efficiency of refurbished installations, and enhance sustainability by balancing circular economy, social, economic, and environmental factors. This aligns with the European Green Deal priorities, addressing energy, climate targets, and biodiversity concerns.

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europeresearch and innovation programme under grant agreement No 101172849.

Janire García

“SHERPA will develop innovative technologies to improve endurance and performance beyond the operational design range of hydropower plants, delivering sustainable and efficient energy solutions.”

Janire García

Leader of the Dissemination and Communication of European Projects area

Related News

SHERPA, New Horizon Europe-funded project Kicks off in Brussels

Consortium

It's not about the sector, it's the about project

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.

Areas of specialisation

How can we help you?

Our compass is our clients; our mission is to solve their problems, guiding them so that innovation becomes their key to competitiveness.

Get to know our services
contact