We are pleased to introduce the FIThydro project to you

FIThydro, Fish friendly innovative solutions for hydropower, addresses the decision support in commissioning and operating hydropower plants (HPP) by use of existing and innovative technologies. It concentrates on mitigation measures and strategies to develop cost-efficient environmental solutions and on strategies to avoid individual fish damage and enhancing population developments. Therefore, HPPS all over Europe are involved as test sites.

The facilities for upstream and downstream migration are evaluated, different bypass systems including their use as habitats and the influence of sediment on habitat.

In addition, existing tools and devices will be enhanced during the project and will be used in the experimental set-ups in the laboratories and at the test sites for e.g. detection of fish or prediction of behavior. This includes sensor fish, different solutions for migration as e.g. trash rack variations, different fish tracking systems, but also numerical models as habitat and population model or virtual fish swimming path model.

Therefore, a three-level-based work plan was created with preparatory deskwork at the beginning to analyze shortcomings and potential in environment-friendly hydropower. The experimental tests will be conducted at the different test sites to demonstrate and evaluate the effects of the different options not covered by the deskwork. Thirdly, these results are fed into a risk based Decision Support System (DSS), which is developed for planning, commissioning and operating of HPPs. It is meant to enable operators to fulfil the requirements of cost-effective production, at the same time meet the environmental obligations and targets under European legislation, and achieve a self-sustained fish population.

As the work of the Amber and the FIThydro project are closely related, both projects are working on a strategy to collaborate closely for maximized efficiency and best use of the available data and resources. We highly appreciate this chance and are looking forward to a fruitful collaboration!

For more information about FIThydro, please refer to our website, follow our Twitter account (@fithydroproject) and subscribe to FIThydro's newsletter.

Peter Rutschmann FIThydro Coordinator

This project has received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under grant agreement No 727830