We are excited to announce the release of our latest publication, “Unlocking Hidden Hydropower: Energy Harvesting for the Digitalisation of Urban Water Systems”
Energy harvesting — the process of capturing and converting small amounts of energy from natural sources like water — is emerging as a vital enabler of sustainable, self-sufficient technologies. Particularly in the age of the Internet of Things (IoT), this technology offers a promising alternative to battery-dependent devices, supporting the development of greener, more resilient systems. By tapping into underutilised energy sources, energy harvesting reduces maintenance demands, cuts costs, and paves the way for smarter infrastructure. Nowhere is this more critical than in our urban water networks, where growing populations, climate change, and rising resource pressures demand innovative solutions.
Our publication details the H-HOPE project’s novel approach to extracting energy from vortex-induced vibrations in natural and artificial water flows. These flows exist throughout water distribution networks, wastewater treatment plants, irrigation channels, and lagoon environments — offering an untapped source of micro-hydropower. We focus particularly on municipal networks, where the H-HOPE harvester can help unlock this hidden hydropower potential. The technology supports the digitalisation of water systems, enabling self-powered sensors that monitor network performance in real time. This, in turn, enhances sustainability by lowering operational costs and improving the efficient use of both water and energy.
The publication presents a detailed case study at a wastewater treatment plant in northern Italy. Our team collected and analysed data from the plant’s drainage channel — including flow rates, velocities, and other parameters — to assess potential harvester designs. Through rigorous optimisation, we identified a configuration capable of generating around 490 kWh per year, enough to power sensors at a frequency suitable for real-time monitoring. This case study demonstrates not only the technical feasibility of energy harvesting in water networks, but also its potential to drive the next generation of digital, self-sustaining water management systems.
