To reach carbon neutrality by 2050, hydro energy has a major role to play. It offers three distinct advantages when it comes to clean energy generation. Firstly, hydropower is one of the most cost-effective ways of generating electricity. Secondly, dams can provide multiple benefits as their infrastructure can be used to supply clean water for homes and agriculture, for instance, or to mitigate the impact of increasingly frequent extreme weather events, such as floods and drought.
Lastly, it provides flexibility and can be stored. No backup is required and on account of its reliability, hydropower can adapt to the daily and seasonal fluctuations of the next two largest renewable sources (solar and wind). Pumped hydropower storage (PHS) especially offers major potential in supporting the rapid growth of solar and wind energy as it absorbs and releases energy on demand.
Our report highlights the key areas where space tech can make a difference:
- Location scouting: identify optimal sites for large and small-scale hydropower plants, considering energy generation potential and minimal environmental impact.
- Improved forecasting: leverage Earth Observation data to enhance hydrological modelling, water resource assessments, and snow-related insights for better prediction.
- Bankability: accurate forecasting improves investment opportunities, for increased funding in hydropower projects.
- Climate change and infrastructure monitoring: utilise satellite imagery, drones, and radar data to monitor dam safety, detect potential issues, and assess hydro-meteorological risks.
- Environmental and social impact: employ satellite data to analyse biodiversity, manage sedimentation levels, and ensure compliance with sustainability standards.
Find out more on the added value of space and ESA’s support programmes in the latest mini report.
Download the full report