H-HOPE has published a new infographic illustrating how energy hidden within existing water infrastructure can support self-powered monitoring and strengthen the resilience of water and energy systems.
H-HOPE harvesters are small devices that capture energy from flow-induced vibrations in pipes and open streams. This energy can power sensors and data collection, enabling earlier detection of leaks or failures, remote monitoring and improved operational continuity.
The infographic also presents the findings of Work Package 2, which assessed where and under what conditions the H-HOPE solution can create value. The analysis considered six interconnected dimensions: technical performance, local water conditions, environmental impact, economic feasibility, operational risk and social acceptance.
Results from the H-HOPE demonstration sites show:
- Power outputs of 1.2–133 W in piping systems and 0.059–4.8 W in open streams.
- The potential to power 4–90 sensors in piping applications and 3–10 sensors in open-stream settings.
- Time-based capacity factors of 52–88% and power-based capacity factors of 5–49% across the case studies.
- Global warming potential ranging from 0.044–1.17 kgCO₂eq/kWh in piping and 0.071–0.221 kgCO₂eq/kWh in open streams.
- Positive feedback from more than 150 experts engaged through the project’s stakeholder activities.
The assessment underlines that feasibility remains highly site-specific. Performance, costs and environmental impacts depend on the characteristics of each location and its water infrastructure. Although the levelised cost of energy can vary significantly, energy generation is only one part of H-HOPE’s value proposition. At resilience-critical sites, the benefits of preventing leaks, failures and service interruptions may outweigh the cost of the energy produced.
The central takeaway is clear: H-HOPE offers the greatest potential where monitoring needs are high and local infrastructure conditions are well suited to energy harvesting.
Explore the new infographic to learn how H-HOPE is transforming hidden hydropower into better monitoring, earlier detection and more resilient infrastructure.
