Hidden Hydro Oscillating Power for Europe

Project Information

H-HOPE

Grant agreement ID: 101084362

DOI

10.3030/101084362

EC signature date 14 October 2022

Start date 1 November 2022

End date 31 October 2026

Funded under

• Climate, Energy and Mobility

Total cost

€ 4 854 229,65

EU contribution

€ 4 854 229,40

Coordinated by

UNIVERSITA DEGLI STUDI DI PADOVA
Italy

Periodic Reporting for period 2 - H-HOPE (Hidden Hydro Oscillating Power for Europe)

Reporting period: 2024-03-01 to 2025-06-30

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

H-HOPE addresses the need to unlock new renewable energy sources within existing water infrastructures and natural streams, supporting EU priorities on climate neutrality, digitalisation, and decentralised generation. Across Europe, drinking-water networks, wastewater systems, district heating pipelines and open channels hold significant but untapped hydropower potential, often inaccessible to traditional turbines due to low heads, installation constraints or economic sustainability. H-HOPE introduces a novel vortex-induced-vibration (VIV) harvester designed for such conditions, able to power monitoring devices, sensors and remote-control equipment.
The project aims to quantify hidden hydropower potential at EU level and to develop and validate a scalable pico-hydropower technology for pipes, open streams and channels. It also empowers utilities, municipalities and prosumers through open-source tools, Do-It-Yourself (DIY) instructions and online calculators to support bottom-up adoption of renewable energy solutions. Cross-sectoral collaboration is fostered through engagement with industry, policymakers, utilities and researchers, ensuring that the technology meets operational requirements and aligns with regulatory and socio-economic constraints.
By enabling autonomous sensorisation of water systems, reducing battery consumption and supporting digital twins, H-HOPE contributes to EU climate and CO2-reduction targets and offers new renewable options for rural or isolated areas. Overall, the project lays the foundation for a new class of sustainable hydropower solutions capable of enhancing the digitalisation, resilience and decarbonisation of water infrastructures while empowering local actors and prosumers.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

The project achieved significant scientific and technical progress, advancing both the understanding of hidden hydropower potential and the development of the H-HOPE harvesting technology. A large, harmonised hydraulic dataset was assembled from European utilities and operators, covering pipes, open streams and channels. After cleaning, validation and statistical analysis—including spectral decomposition and long-term flow characterisation—the consortium defined representative flow conditions and identified promising sites for energy recovery, supporting both numerical modelling and experimental planning.
A full suite of 1D multi-physics models was completed to describe VIV harvester behaviour in different configurations, complemented by a machine-learning-based design algorithm estimating performance under site-specific hydraulic regimes. Validation with experimental data confirmed that the models capture lock-in dynamics and energy extraction reliably.
In parallel, detailed prototype designs for piping, open-stream and open-channel applications were finalised. Dedicated test rigs were built or adapted, and the first experimental campaigns demonstrated stable lock-in, consistent oscillations and measurable electrical output. The tests provided insight into mechanical tuning, material behaviour, generator performance and the influence of variable hydraulic conditions, informing refinements for the upcoming testing phase.
Another major achievement was the development of a holistic feasibility framework integrating environmental, techno-economic and socio-technical assessments. The tool combines LCA, risk evaluation, stakeholder feedback and power modelling to deliver site-specific performance indicators, which have already been applied to real case studies. The period also saw the consolidation of open-source numerical tools, DIY instructions and online assessment modules supporting broader uptake (https://github.com/H-HOPE/).

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

H-HOPE advances the state of the art by delivering the first VIV-based pico-hydropower prototype specifically designed for water infrastructures and capable of operating in low-head, low-velocity or geometrically constrained environments. The combination of 1D multi-physics models, Machine Learning-based optimisation and laboratory validation establishes a new methodology for designing small-scale hydropower systems and performing techno-economic feasibility studies.
The project also introduces the first holistic socio-technical assessment framework for VIV harvesters, integrating LCA, risk analysis, techno-economic indicators and stakeholder requirements. This fills a gap in current hydropower assessment approaches and provides a replicable, operational tool. Additionally, the project is mapping hidden hydropower potential in water networks and channels by combining modelling, data analytics and domain-specific knowledge, supporting realistic estimates of EU-scale potential.
The open-source Data Hub and DIY platform (https://github.com/H-HOPE/) reduce adoption barriers for communities, SMEs and utilities. Early LCA results indicate that optimised VIV harvesters can achieve competitive CO2 footprints compared to other micro-renewables, particularly in piping applications.