Hydropower plants play a crucial role in Swiss energy production and are considered one of the oldest forms of renewable energy. Today, however, they are facing new challenges and opportunities as a result of the digital transformation.
The latest technologies can be implemented in traditional hydropower plants in a variety of applications that significantly improve the efficiency, safety and sustainability of the plants. Artificial intelligence (AI) is the key to success here. It carries out complex data analyses and creates predictive models for the operation and maintenance of power plants. Digitally supported workforce management optimizes workflows and resource allocation. Digital documentation and robotics applications such as drones make the inspection and maintenance of plants more efficient than ever.
This helps employees to make decisions, relieves them of repetitive tasks and gives them better access to relevant information. Further advantages lie in the documentation of knowledge and the optimal use of expert knowledge, which ultimately leads to increased plant performance. Hydropower plant operators benefit from the integration of modern technologies by operating their plants more intelligently and effectively.
An outstanding example of this development is Switzerland's first digital hydropower plant, Axpo's Sarganserland power plant, which has successfully implemented a wide range of use cases for modern technologies in practice. Find out at our stand which specific technologies and use cases are now being introduced in all Axpo hydropower plants and how the fusion of tradition and innovation can succeed.
