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Digital Hydropower Plants Hydro Digital - Full Service Provider for Digitalisation
Digitalisation has been increasingly affecting all areas of private and business life for years. Also for hydropower producers, the complete digitalisation of power plants is the next evolutionary step after the automation of the plants. As Switzerland's largest hydropower producer, Axpo wants to actively exploit the opportunities that result from this. At the beginning of April 2019, the green light was given for the implementation of the first digital hydropower plant in Switzerland at the Sarganserland power plant (KSL) site - as a pilot project called "Hydro 4.0".
The pilot project was successfully completed at the end of 2020. This ended in a new unit, Axpo Hydro Digital (HTD), rolling out the new services from the areas of analytics, workforce and infrastructure in the Axpo Hydro Park and also making them available to external customers. Further applications from the area of robotics / image analysis have been developed in a new pilot project called "robotics@hydro" into end-to-end solutions for supporting visual inspections from the air, on land and in the water.
Innovative digital solutions for the hydropower of the future are also constantly being developed in asset management, the environmental department, dam monitoring and power plant technology. See for yourself what this means!
Services
Axpo Hydro Digital is a full-service provider for digitalisation for hydropower operators, offering suitable digital solutions at various service levels: from consulting and implementation to operation and support - all from a single source.
Added Value
In the "Hydro 4.0" pilot project, Axpo tested 20 different cases of application thoroughly under real conditions at the Sarganserland power plants over a period of one and a half years. Their potential in terms of cost-benefit was examined in detail and the acceptance of the new solutions by the power plant employees was evaluated.
Based on the findings, it was possible to make a well-founded decision as to which applications would be implemented operationally at the power plants by Axpo or the partners involved. Axpo Hydro Digital is now making this expertise and the method for quantifying the added value of digital solutions available to external partners and customers.
EWA-energieUri | Armin Schuler (Head of Power Plant Operations) | July 2021
"The Hydro 4.0 audit enabled us to evaluate where we stand with regard to the degree of digitalisation of EWA-energieUri's power plant operations. The fruitful discussions within the team show how the various "cases" can be further developed to achieve greater efficiency."
EWO | John Sieber (Head of Business Unit Production) | May 2021
"The service product from Axpo HTD "Digital Compass for Hydropower Operators" has provided us an accurate picture of the responses we need in order to take the next steps in the direction of "Hydro 4.0". Our individual needs were very well understood by Axpo employees on an equal footing. The result completely convinced everyone involved at EWO, from the maintenance specialist to the management. .... The cooperation with the HTD responsibles was always very open, constructive, inspiring and goal-oriented - simply great!"
Events
Save the date !
INTERGEO 2025
October 7th - 9th, 2025: Frankfurt, Germany
Axpo will be showcasing its innovations at INTERGEO 2025 in Frankfurt, together with Grid! The spotlight will be on our groundbreaking service, hydrone, which leverages drone technology to make the maintenance of hydropower plants safer and more efficient.
Hydrone offers a wide range of applications – from inspections and monitoring to the analysis of hard-to-reach areas. This technology is revolutionizing the way hydropower plants are maintained and monitored, setting new standards in safety and efficiency.
Don’t miss the chance to learn more about hydrone and its versatile applications. INTERGEO provides the perfect platform to connect with experts and explore the latest technologies.
For more information, visit the official INTERGEO website.
Save the date !
vgbe 2025
October 15th - 17th, 2025: Turkey - Istanbul & Ankara
The program is set! Axpo will deliver an exciting presentation at this year’s vgbe conference, providing insights into the latest advancements in Hydro Digital.
This year, the conference takes place in Turkey – a fantastic opportunity to explore new horizons, both professionally and geographically.
Registration is now open. Secure your spot and be part of it!
Save the date !
HYDRO 2025
October 22nd - 24th, 2025, Thessaloniki, Greece
Axpo will be present this year at HYDRO 25 in Thessaloniki under the Swiss Pavilion. Together with our partner etaeval, we will have an on-site booth.
At the booth, you can learn more about our innovative solution, etahydro, which enables continuous sediment and efficiency monitoring for hydropower plants. With etahydro, we support operators in improving the efficiency of their plants, detecting wear early, and preventing major damages.
The program and registration have not yet been published, but don’t miss the opportunity to mark this exciting conference in your calendar. HYDRO 2025 is the perfect platform to connect with experts and gain new insights into the future of hydropower.
Save the date !
Interalpine Energie- & Umwelttage Mals 2025
October 30th - 31st, 2025, Mals
The program is set! Axpo will deliver a presentation on Hydro Insights at the Interalpine Energy & Environment Days 2025, showcasing how innovation and artificial intelligence can revolutionize hydropower.
Look forward to fascinating insights into groundbreaking technologies and approaches that are redefining efficiency and sustainability in the energy sector. This event offers an ideal opportunity to connect with experts and shape the energy world of tomorrow together.
Save the date !
Fachtagung Wasserkraft 2025
November 6th, 2025, Olten
The Swiss Water Management Association (SWV), together with its Hydrosuisse Commission, is once again hosting the specialist conference on hydropower. The event is specifically aimed at engineers and professionals from hydropower operators, consulting firms, and the industry.
This year, Axpo is not only participating as a sponsor but will also be presenting on topics related to Artificial Intelligence in Hydropower. Our presentation will showcase how AI is driving innovation and efficiency in the industry, with practical insights into its applications.
Additionally, we will have a small booth on-site. Take the opportunity to visit us during the breaks to learn more about our latest advancements in the digitalization of hydropower and explore how AI is shaping the future of the sector.
Registration and the program have not yet been published but will be updated here as soon as they are available.
