We are pleased to announce the release of a new open-access publication from the H–Hope project team: Energy recovery, enhanced resilience, and sustainability in European water networks: Harnessing the water-energy nexus by Bethany Marguerite Bronkema, Bjarnhedinn Gudlaugsson, David Bermejo, Xavier Escaler, and David C. Finger
This publication explores how energy harvesters can transform the natural movement of water into renewable electricity — powering sensors, supporting early warning systems, and enhancing the resilience of Europe’s water networks.
Developed as part of the H–Hope Horizon Europe project, the study introduces new tools to optimise energy recovery in water distribution and district heating networks. These tools make it possible to model flow conditions, assess energy potential, and strengthen local adaptation to climate-related challenges.
The research draws on data from Spain, Italy, Türkiye, Austria, Czech Republic, and Iceland, revealing that energy recovery potential varies by network type and use.
Drinking water systems (e.g., Spain) show daily fluctuations in flow, while district heating systems (e.g., Iceland) are more stable.
Some networks, like the Türkiye case, demonstrated energy outputs between 45 and 2654 kWh over 20 years.
Novel capacity factors and intermittency indicators were developed to evaluate the long-term feasibility of harvesters.
Advancing Climate Resilience
By powering monitoring devices and early warning systems directly within water networks, this approach helps utilities reduce energy dependency, improve system awareness, and enhance climate resilience — delivering tangible progress toward a more sustainable and adaptive European water infrastructure.
Read the full open-access article here:
