The Hidden Hydro Oscillating Power for Europe (H-HOPE) project presented its results on recovering energy from water flows to power monitoring devices at its final project event. Held as part of the fourth Brussels Hydropower Day on 8 September 2026, organized by ETIP HYDROPOWER, the event connected the project’s research with the needs of utilities, technology providers and policymakers.
Coordinated by the University of Padova and funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe programme, H-HOPE developed and tested energy harvesters for pipes, open streams and open channels. The technology targets applications where conventional hydropower equipment may be impractical or uneconomic, providing a potential local power source for sensors monitoring flow, pressure, leaks and water quality.
Final Event at Brussels Hydropower Day
H-HOPE coordinator Professor Giovanna Cavazzini of the University of Padova introduced the project’s approach during the technical session “Enhancing Resilience and Digitalization in Sustainable Hydropower”. Contributions from Eduard Doujak of TU Wien, Pavel Rudolf of Brno University of Technology, Urban Lundin of Uppsala University and David Christian Finger of Reykjavik University covered testing across different scales and the technology’s wider value.
Results Across Three Energy Harvester Configurations
The technology converts vibrations induced by water flowing around an immersed body, such as a cylinder, into electricity. Tuning the structure to synchronize with vortex shedding amplifies its movement and supports energy extraction through piezoelectric or electromagnetic components. The presentations reported:
- Piping applications: Milliwatt-level output from an oscillating cylinder coupled to piezoelectric components, targeting low-power monitoring devices in water networks.
- Open-stream applications: Approximately 1–1.5 watts from tests using an electromagnetic generator, with operation across a range of flow velocities.
- Larger open-channel applications: Around 50 watts from a hybrid demonstrator tested in Sweden, incorporating active control to adjust energy extraction as operating conditions changed.
These outputs reflected different device sizes and test conditions. Performance in practice would depend on the installation, flow conditions and the energy requirements of the monitoring equipment.
Assessing Value for Water Operators
The project’s assessments combined European case studies, life-cycle analysis, flow data and more than 150 stakeholder interviews. Its decision framework helps operators examine site-specific costs and benefits, including maintenance visits, battery replacement, environmental impacts and the value of improved monitoring. Depending on the application, locally generated power could reduce reliance on batteries and improve monitoring in remote or difficult-to-access locations.
DIY Prototypes Showcased at the Final Events
H-HOPE’s DIY prototypes were also showcased at the final hydropower event by Marko Hocevar from the University of Ljubljana. These DIY prototypes are helpful to learn more about harvesting energy from water flow using vortex-induced vibrations rather than traditional rotating turbines. These systems aim to power remote sensors, monitoring equipment, and off-grid electronics in rural or urban water networks.
Next Steps Towards Deployment
The final event provided a platform to discuss how research results could support more resilient digital water networks. Further development towards deployment will require continued attention to long-term reliability, installation requirements and the business case for individual applications.