Hydropower

The hydropower sector in Switzerland is currently facing numerous challenges. Energy Strategy 2050 aims to increase the share of hydroelectricity generated in Switzerland. At the same time, Swiss water protection legislation stipulates in the ecological situation of the country’s waterways with respect to residual water, fluctuation of water levels, fish migration and bed load transport. In addition, adaptations are necessary to keep pace with changing hydrological conditions and other effects of climate change. Restructuring electricity production requires greater flexibility and additional storage capacity, especially for storage power plants.

The overall objective of the Hydropower research programme is to exploit Switzerland’s hydropower potential from a holistic perspective. Priority is to be given to research projects that aim to open up further potential or continue to exploit known potential or improve the economic or ecological conditions of Switzerland’s waterways.

The following research priorities can be applied in large-scale or small hydropower plants since in many instances the existing capacity is of secondary importance.

Research priorities

Additional generation from hydropower (including through improved economic efficiency)

Identification of previously untapped hydropower potential
Cost-effective standard technologies
Improved marketing strategies (e.g. through integration into self-consumption communities or in combination with electric mobility)
Improved forecasting models to increase production and economic efficiency
Development of decision-making support instruments for new concessions and the expansion of existing plants

Flexibility and storage

Options for shifting production from summer to winter and increasing winter production
Measures to increase flexibility in the operation of run-of-river, storage and pumped storage power plants
Adaptation of components and measures (operation, monitoring) to highly flexible operating modes
Options for providing system and grid services
Hybridisation of hydropower plants

Adaptation to climate change

Adaptation to the effects of climate change (e.g. changes in inflow regimes, glacier retreat, slope instability due to rising permafrost limits, increased sedimentation, extreme events)

Sustainability and water ecology

Improvement of the aquatic ecological situation (e.g. fish migration, hydropeaking, sediment management, residual water regulations)
Better understanding of wear and tear/renewal requirements for ageing components
Measures against reservoir siltation

Wherever possible and appropriate, the participation of partners from business and industry is strongly recommended to ensure the relevance of research for technological development and the needs of society. An appropriate share of at least 30 to 40% of own and third-party funds is expected.

Project proposals may be submitted at any time. It is recommended to initially submit a brief, rough project outline to the programme management. Following an initial assessment, a detailed specific proposal, where necessary with relevant explanations or modifications, can be submitted for approval, or following up the proposal may be discouraged. Additional information can be obtained from the programme management at any time.

It is not possible to sponsor conferences.