idw – Informationsdienst Wissenschaft
Nachrichten, Termine, Experten
Nachrichten, Termine, Experten
idw - Informationsdienst
Wissenschaft
As climate challenges and outdated infrastructure hinder hydropower development in Central Asia, the EU-funded Hydro4U project demonstrates innovative, sustainable small hydropower technologies tailored for remote regions.
Central Asia holds vast untapped potential for hydropower, particularly in upstream regions. However, the region faces serious challenges stemming from aging infrastructure, limited investment in new developments, and the growing impact of climate change and water scarcity. The Hydro4U project, funded by the European Union, directly addresses these issues by designing innovative, climate-resilient small hydropower (SHP) technologies that are both cost-effective and simple to implement, especially in remote areas. These technologies are developed to align with EU quality and environmental standards.
Steinbeis Europa Zentrum is one of the project partners and is responsible for communication, dissemination and exploitation activities.
On Wednesday, 30th April 2025, a delegation of 13 Ambassadors and representatives from the embassies of European Union Member States accredited in Uzbekistan participated in a site visit tour that included Fergana Valley, where the Hydro4U demonstration site in the Shakimardan Enclave, Uzbekistan is also located. The site showcases the Francis Container Power Solution (FCPS), which was developed and manufactured by Austrian Global Hydro Energy and implemented in collaboration with the national utility Uzbekgidroenergo. The visit highlighted the project's commitment to sustainable energy transition and regional cooperation.
Representatives from Hydro4U project partners, including the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) and the Tashkent Institute of Irrigation and Agricultural Mechanization Engineers (TIIAME), participated in the visit. Hydro4U project coordinator Bertalan Alapfy from the Technical University of Munich (TUM), guided the delegation through the site, presenting key project milestones, technical challenges, and expected outcomes.
Current efforts within Hydro4U are concentrated on finalizing and commissioning the FCPS at Shakimardan and implementing the second demonstration, the At-Bashy Hydroshaft Power Solution in the Kyrgyz Republic. Looking ahead, Hydro4U partners will identify additional sites for replication and conduct three further feasibility studies, paving the way for broader deployment of sustainable SHP technologies across the region.
Hydro4U exemplifies how international cooperation, innovation, and environmental responsibility can drive the green energy transformation in water-stressed regions like Central Asia.
Hydro4U - Hydropower For You - is funded under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme with around 10 million Euro. Under the coordination of Technical University of Munich, 13 partner organisations from 8 countries are collaborating to boost sustainable small-scale hydropower in Central Asia. Eco-friendly hydropower solutions will be implemented in two demonstration plants in Central Asia.
Some Facts about Hydro4U:
Hydro4U receives funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation programme.
Grant Agreement number: 101022905
Type of project: Innovation Action
Coordinator: Technical University of Munich
Project duration: 01/06/2021 – 31/05/2026
Total Project budget: 11 488 428.03 €
Total EC funding: 9,931160.13 €
Consortium: 13 partners from 8 countries (Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Sri Lanka, Uzbekistan, Spain, Belgium, Kyrgyzstan)
Coordinator contact: Technical University of Munich: Bertalan Alapfy; E-mail: coordination@hydro4u.eu
Press contact: Steinbeis Europa Zentrum: Charlotte Schlicke; Email: info@hydro4u.eu
Coordinator contact: Technical University of Munich: Bertalan Alapfy; E-mail: coordination@hydro4u.eu
https://www.eeas.europa.eu/delegations/uzbekistan/eu-ambassadors-visit-beneficia...
http://www.hydro4u.eu - Webseite
http://LinkedIn: Hydro4U
http://X/Twitter: @Hydro4Uproject
http://YouTube: Hydro4U
https://hydro4u.eu/publications-media/information-material/- Flyer (EN/RU)
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