Hyposo Project: final balance and results
After more than three years, the HYPOSO project (Hydropower solutions for developing and emerging countries) concluded in May 2023. The project partners presented the final results, continuing discussions about the future of small hydropower in HYPOSO’s target countries with the support of European expertise.
by Frosio NextÂ
April 2024
Hyposo project: brief overview
The project, funded under the European H2020 program, was initiated in 2019 with the goal of supporting the European hydropower industry in specific target countries in Africa and Latin America while promoting sustainable development. Frosio Next collaborated with twelve other partners from Europe, Africa, and Latin America to achieve these ambitious objectives.
The concluding event provided an excellent opportunity not only to learn about the project’s outcomes but also to benefit from the presence of an international delegation comprising colleagues from the national hydropower sector in the target countries of HYPOSO in Africa and Latin America. On-demand B2B meetings were organized, and European stakeholders interested in the project presented a small exhibition to their international counterparts. Concurrently, the HYPOSO Advisory Board convened for a final conference at the IHE Delft premises.
The achieved objectives
Starting with the overall objective of promoting the European hydropower industry in five target countries (Cameroon, Uganda, Bolivia, Ecuador, and Colombia) by facilitating the export of hydropower business and European expertise to these nations, the HYPOSO project successfully achieved its predetermined goals. It accomplished this through a multitasking approach that involved identifying and mapping the European hydropower industry and stakeholders in the hydropower sector within the target countries of HYPOSO, training new experts in hydropower through capacity-building activities, and fostering collaboration between relevant actors in the EU hydropower sector and stakeholders in these countries.
“The European hydropower industry has contributed to the transition toward a more sustainable energy system in some parts of the world that still require support for developing this sector”.
The project has developed solutions that can be easily implemented to overcome barriers to the widespread adoption of hydropower solutions in these export markets. The consortium brings together representatives from the European hydropower industry with their counterparts in Africa and Latin America. Additionally, a web platform has been created, already active as an information hub for the European hydropower industry and a valuable source of information for hydropower stakeholders in the target countries.
Work packages and tasks
The project has been divided into 8 work packages, each further subdivided into various tasks.
Work Package 1 – Project Management
This work package was dedicated to project management and coordination to ensure efficient collaboration and communication among partners and with external stakeholders outside the consortium. It strongly emphasized the project’s objectives and ensured high-quality standards.
Work Package 2 – Cooperation of the European Hydropower Industry
The work package focused on engaging the European hydropower industry and disseminating European expertise in the hydropower field. One of the outcomes of this work package was the publication of a manual on small hydropower, which includes an overview of the European hydropower sector and its products, services, and innovations. Specifically, Frosio Next contributed to the development of the manual, drawing from over 40 years of experience in the hydropower sector.
Here is the link to access this manual:
https://www.hyposo.eu/HYPOSO_Publications/hyposo-handbook-final.pdf
Work Package 3 – Analysis of the Hydropower Situation in Target Countries and Identification of Hydropower Potential
The main activity of this work package involved creating a Geographic Information System (GIS)-based map of potential hydropower sites and existing hydropower facilities in the 5 target countries. The objective of the map is to gather information useful for identifying sites worthy of hydropower development. The map, available on the project’s dedicated website only to those registered on the platform, serves as an excellent tool for directing European and local companies toward high-potential hydropower sites in the target countries.
Work Package 4 – Knowledge Sharing
The main activity of this work package consisted of lectures (both virtual and in-person) delivered by European project partners on technical topics related to various aspects of hydropower. The participants in these lectures were individuals from the 5 target countries who work or study in the field of hydropower. The purpose of these lectures was to transmit European expertise and know-how in the field of hydropower.
Here are the courses offered in this work package (with those organized and supervised by Frosio Next in bold):
Fundamentals of Hydropower Engineering
Hydrology
Hydropower Potential and GIS Tools
Hydraulic Design
Computer Tools for Hydropower Energy Resources
Dams and Reservoirs
Weirs and Intakes
Diversion Works
Electromechanical Works
Equipment and Electrical Lines
Environmental and Social Impact
Hydropower Systems
Management and Maintenance
Financial Analysis
Design of Small Hydropower Plants
Work Package 5 – Case studies
Work Package 5 aimed to develop 15 case studies (3 per target country) containing pre-feasibility studies, environmental and socio-economic impact assessments, and financial analyses for selected sites in the target countries.
While each site is highly specific and unique, these business case studies serve as exemplars and can be replicated in the target regions. Frosio Next was the project partner responsible for this package.
Work Package 6 – Promotion of European Technologies in the Hydropower Sector
In this work package, we participated as speakers in workshops on the hydropower situation in the target countries and in international events where the project was presented.
Work Package 6 aimed to bring together representatives of the European hydropower industry with local stakeholders to promote business relationships between the parties and, consequently, increase the share of renewable energy in the target countries.
Work Package 7 – Communication and Dissemination of Information Material
The goal of Work Package 7 was to present and disseminate the project’s objectives to engage potential partners in the EU hydropower industry. Alongside the project’s local partners, the project’s outcomes will be spread beyond the five target countries, thereby increasing the project’s impact.
Work Package 8 – Ethical Requirements
For Work Package 8, the objective was to ensure compliance with the “ethical requirements” established within this specific work package throughout the duration and execution of the project.
Future prospects
The outcome of the HYPOSO project will contribute to promoting the European hydropower industry, paving the way for improved business conditions in the target countries and increasing the share of renewable energy in these nations.
For more information about the HYPOSO project and the possibility of accessing the platform, please visit the dedicated page on the project’s official website: HYPOSO Project
Stay connected with our blog and the latest news! In the coming weeks, we will delve deeper into the work packages in which we were more involved (Packages 4 and 5) by publishing dedicated articles.
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