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Source: Canva
Author: Panagiotis Papadimitriou – PPC
The European energy landscape needs to undergo a transformative shift toward sustainability, driven by the EU Green Deal and a shared commitment to fight climate change. The Di-Hydro Project plays an important role in this pivotal transformation. In fact, the project aims to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of hydropower plants (HPPs) through advanced digital technologies. By leveraging tools such as predictive models, advanced sensors, and Digital Twins (DTs), Di-Hydro fosters innovative solutions for optimal operation and maintenance of HPPs, minimising environmental impact and maximizing energy output.
As one of the project’s key partners, Public Power Corporation of Greece (PPC) brings its extensive expertise in hydropower management and energy innovation to the forefront, leading efforts in the digitalization of HPP operations.
PPC: A Pillar of Greek Energy
Founded in 1950, Public Power Corporation (PPC) is Greece’s largest electricity provider and a leader in the Southeast European energy sector. Over the decades, PPC has been instrumental in shaping the Greek energy landscape, managing a diverse portfolio of power generation assets. These include thermal plants, renewable energy sources, and hydropower facilities. PPC has actively embraced the principles of the EU Green Deal, driving forward initiatives that align with Europe’s ambitious energy transition goals.
Hydropower is a crucial part of PPC’s energy production strategy. The company operates various hydropower plants across Greece, contributing significantly to the nation’s renewable energy generation. Their expertise spans the entire lifecycle of hydropower plant operations, from design and construction to operation, maintenance, and optimisation. PPC continuously strives to enhance the efficiency, reliability, and environmental performance of its hydropower plants.
PPC’s Role in Di-Hydro
In Di-Hydro, PPC take the leads in the digital transformation of hydropower operations. This aligns seamlessly with PPC’s strategic focus on leveraging digital tools to achieve operational optimisation and sustainability. PPC’s contribution to Di-Hydro centres on the implementation of cutting-edge technologies at the Greek Use Cases: Ilarionas, Thissavros, and Pournari I. These facilities collectively play a great role in PPC hydroelectric energy production.
Deploying Advanced Sensor Networks
PPC is collaborating in the deployment of advanced sensors across the three hydropower plants. These sensors are designed to collect real-time data on a range of critical parameters, including:
- Turbine vibrations: Monitoring mechanical stability and identifying early signs of wear or potential failures.
- Weather conditions: Gathering localised meteorological data to optimise hydropower production and forecast energy output.
- Biodiversity indicators: Assessing the environmental impact of hydropower operations and ensuring compliance with ecological standards.
The integration of these sensors enables a continuous stream of high-quality data, forming the backbone of Di-Hydro’s predictive models and Digital Twins.
Building Predictive Models and Digital Twins
Central to PPC’s role in Di-Hydro is the development and application of Digital Twins (DTs) for hydropower plant operations. These virtual replicas simulate real-world processes, allowing PPC to analyse, predict, and optimise plant performance. By incorporating real-time data from the advanced sensor networks, these DTs offer actionable insights into:
- Proactive maintenance: Identifying maintenance needs before issues arise, reducing downtime and extending equipment lifespan.
- Operational optimisation: Fine-tuning processes to maximize energy output while minimising resource use and environmental impact.
- Environmental stewardship: Balancing energy production with biodiversity preservation, ensuring sustainable operations.
These predictive tools enhance decision-making, enabling Di-Hydro to lead the way in the digitalisation of hydropower operations in Greece and beyond.
Reducing Environmental Impact
In addition to operational benefits, PPC also contributes to reducing the environmental footprint of hydropower generation. By leveraging data-driven insights and advanced modelling, PPC ensures that hydropower plants operate more efficiently and sustainably. This aligns with the EU’s broader vision of a clean energy future, reinforcing PPC’s role as a sustainability champion in the region.
Paving the Way for Digital Hydropower
Undoubtedly, Di-Hydro taps into the transformative potential of digital innovation in the energy sector. By combining advanced technologies, the project is set to enhance hydropower operations in more than one way. The deployment of sensor networks, development of Digital Twins, and maintenance and operations optimisation represents the will of the Consortium to achieve a greener, more efficient energy future.
Moreover, PPC’s involvement in Di-Hydro shows a significant step toward the broader adoption of digital solutions in hydropower. By embracing this vision, Di-Hydro is paving the way for a more sustainable energy future across Europe.
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