H-HOPE recently had the pleasure of participating at the PEN@Hydropower session on “Hidden Hydropower and the Water-Energy Nexus,” hosted by COST Action CA21104.
Held at the School of Industrial Engineering of Barcelona (ETSEIB) and organized under Working Group 2, the event spotlighted groundbreaking ways to tap into hidden hydropower resources within water systems, advancing sustainable energy for Europe.
Our project leader, Prof. Giovanna Cavazzini from the University of Padova, led H-HOPE’s contribution with a presentation on “Energy Harvesting in Water Distribution Networks.” She showcased H-HOPE’s pioneering low-power solutions that turn water distribution and irrigation systems into sources of renewable energy, using these networks to power sensors and enable real-time monitoring. Prof. Cavazzini’s insights underscored hidden hydropower’s potential to drive energy self-sufficiency, transform water management, and support sustainable practices.
The round table also brought together leading voices on related hidden hydropower opportunities. Prof. Tullio Tucciarelli from the University of Palermo presented an inspiring case study from Sicily, demonstrating how urban and agricultural water networks can generate renewable energy. Dr. Miguel Crespo Chacon, CTO of EasyHydro, explored innovative approaches to generating clean energy within municipal water pipes, highlighting digital and hybrid solutions that help integrate hydropower into existing water infrastructure.
The session sparked lively discussions on Europe’s path toward a sustainable energy future, with hidden hydropower identified as a valuable, underutilized resource. By leveraging these solutions, experts agreed that existing water systems can play a central role in Europe’s energy transition.
