High-calibre exchange of experts: European hydropower specialists come together for vgbe/Uniper “Digitalisation in Hydropower” Expert Event
The 7th edition of the event “Digitalisation in Hydropower – Innovative data-driven measures for performance optimisation and resilience” took place in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Bavaria, Germany, from October 15th – 16th 2024. Hosted by vgbe energy in cooperation with Uniper, the closed event brought together more than 140 leading hydropower operators and manufacturer companies from Europe and abroad to share knowledge about the successful implementation of new digital solutions.
With numerous European hydropower plants requiring refurbishment and modernization in the coming years, it is essential to explore the challenges and opportunities presented by digital solutions to enhance the sector’s efficiency.
Dr. Klaus Engels, Director of Hydropower Germany at Uniper Kraftwerke GmbH, notes, “Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and virtual reality are transforming the operation and maintenance of hydropower plants. At Uniper, we are committed to finding the optimal balance between these challenges and opportunities to secure a sustainable future for our business. Personal meetings foster exchange and inspiration, which is why we were delighted to host the Digitalization of Hydropower event in 2024.”
The first day featured nine lectures from industry leaders, showcasing groundbreaking successes and innovations in the hydropower sector. Topics included the use of Digital Twins—advanced predictive modeling tools designed to enhance waterway safety—alongside presentations on pioneering research projects, increased flexibility, and the overall digital transformation of the sector. The attendees shared success stories and thus inspired positive networking and discussion opportunities that left everyone energized and more knowledgeable.
During the visit to Walchensee and Obernach on the second day, the attendees were invited to join guided tours through a total of 19 stations where they could experience the implementation of new digital solutions first hand.
Groups were kept to a maximum of 10 people to give everyone the opportunity to ask questions and have in-depth discussions about the individual stations with the present experts. Amongst many others, the stations presented an advanced flood simulator, a virtual training on risky scenarios to gain new valuable insights into river and powerplant dynamics and deepen mutual understanding and insight between technical and operational staff. They also highlighted the use of Artificial Intelligence to reduce time-consuming manual labour, for example when counting and identifying fish that hydropower plants have an impact on. In this context Dr. Klaus Engels noted: “Digital technologies will not replace our employees in the power plants, but rather support them in their daily work in the form of a reliable assistance system”.
Within the vgbe hydropower community, a comprehensive experience transfer takes place in several committees. “Based on practical examples, members report on how digital solutions have been successfully implemented. Getting information from the view of operators with practical experiences offers valuable insights for your own implementation strategies for digital measures”, stated Dr. Mario Bachhiesl, Head of Department Renewables at vgbe energy.
With a lineup of esteemed industry experts and focus on the implementation of new solutions, vgbe energy’s and Uniper’s Expert Event “Digitalisation in Hydropower 2024” is a cornerstone in the modernization of European hydropower.
The 8th edition is already planned. In cooperation with Enerjisa Üretim the Expert Event “Digitalisation in Hydropower 2025 – Use of advanced digital technologies and tools” will take place on 15th – 17th October 2025 in Istanbul and Adana/Türkiye.
