Controls and Automation

Downing to digitalize 32 Swedish hydropower plants

Downing to digitalize 32 Swedish hydropower plants

Investment manager Downing and HYDROGRID have announced a collaboration to enhance the operational efficiency and sustainability of Downing’s hydropower operations in Sweden.

This partnership aims to optimize Downing’s portfolio of 32 hydropower plants, integrating cutting-edge technology to enhance performance and automation.

Together with HYDROGRID, Downing will focus on implementing a mix of modules, ranging from full cascade optimization to plant connection with basic inflow integration. The project is set to kick off in September 2024.

“HYDROGRID’s technology is a cornerstone of our digitalization journey, making our small-scale cascades future- ready,” said Ulf Wennilsjo, portfolio manager and general manager of Downing Sweden. “Our collaboration will leverage HYDROGRID Insight to optimize a 45 MW fleet comprising 32 power plants, including the Norsälven Cascade, which served as a proof of concept over the past year.”

The water management platform is set to complement the acceptance of the first Downing hydropower plant into the capacity market under FCR-N and FCR-D. Additionally, Downing will work closely with OneNordic for operations and maintenance, ensuring seamless data communication and operational excellence.

The development is particularly relevant for the European energy market landscape, as increasing flexibility of hydropower production and dispatch has never been more critical, HYDROGRID said. The optimization of small hydropower through digitalization and automation represents a significant shift in how hydropower operators can gain a competitive advantage across all energy markets.

Downing manages £2 billion of assets under a range of investment mandates across its funds, investment trusts and other products. Its key private market investment areas include renewable energy, infrastructure, and residential and operating real estate sectors.

In January 2023, Hydro Review reported that Downing LLP completed the acquisition of Norwegian small hydropower plant Lauvstad Kraftverk AS for £3 million (US$3.6 million).

HYDROGRID Insight is an integrated water management and production planning platform that offers a full digitalization solution for the optimal operation of hydropower plants. The smart hydro software solution provides comprehensive, predictive capabilities such as plant monitoring, predictive production planning, and optimal trading, as well as environmental and maintenance management in a single tool. This allows hydro operations teams to optimize plant efficiency and collaboration, increase revenues, and produce more energy.