Digitalisation |
Smarter hydro through software
As hydropower steps into a more dynamic role within the renewable energy mix, HYDROGRID’s Philipp Parrer explains how digital tools are transforming operations – from real-time optimization to smarter, stress-free compliance
Philipp Parrer, Head of Product at HYDROGRID
WHEN PHILIPP PARRER MADE the move from software startups into the hydropower sector, it wasn’t because he’d suddenly developed a fascination with turbines. It was about something more powerful – impact. “What really brought me to HYDROGRID was the combination of two things I care deeply about,” says Parrer. “Cutting-edge technology and making a real impact.” That blend now defines his mission at HYDROGRID, where he serves as Head of Product, helping to shape a platform that supports hydropower operators across the globe. “It’s super exciting to help shape a product that not only improves operations, but also supports the energy transition.” With a background in tech and international scaling at companies like Anyline, Parrer is now applying lessons learned in fast-moving digital environments to a sector often seen as slow to change. “Digitalisation often fails when it becomes too complex, too quickly,” he notes. “Companies want to improve, but they sometimes get lost in large IT projects that are taking too long or never get fully used.” That’s where HYDROGRID aims to be different. Its
HYDROGRID Insight: Portfolio View
flagship product, HYDROGRID Insight, is positioned as a modular, user-friendly optimisation platform that simplifies complex decision-making in hydropower. “Our platform brings everything together in one place – from inflow forecasts to production plans and compliance rules,” he says. “What used to take hours, and multiple spreadsheets
can now be done in minutes with much more precision.”
From spreadsheets to smart decisions Hydropower’s digital transformation has often been piecemeal, hampered by legacy systems and stretched operational teams. “Technology isn’t always built with the user in mind,” Parrer observes. “If the tool is not intuitive or doesn’t fit into the daily workflows, people simply won’t use it, even if it’s powerful.”
HYDROGRID Insight is built specifically with that in mind. “We’re changing the game by making our platform easy to use, even for plants that are not fully automated,” says Parrer. Whether a plant operator is brand new or has decades of experience, the goal is the same: clarity and control. “You log in and you see, okay, I don’t really understand what the water value is. You click on the question mark, and it explains it. You don’t need to run through 50 pages of documentation.” Usability is at the heart of HYDROGRID Insight’s design. Engineers can get up and running quickly, without extensive training. “That’s crucial,” says Parrer, “because even the most powerful tool is useless if it’s too complicated or sits unused in a corner.”
Simplicity from day one As Head of Product, Parrer’s priorities are clear: simplicity,
fast setup, and adaptability. “My top priority is to make sure HYDROGRID Insight becomes the most helpful tool for hydropower operators and asset managers,” he says. That means reducing friction during onboarding and focusing on what users actually need – often through direct feedback loops. One recent example? A feature allowing operators to manually input data and immediately see optimisation results – before any SCADA system integration. “This way, you can start from day one, see the value in your day-to- day work, and then later connect to your SCADA system.” It’s a flexible approach that acknowledges the
realities many plants face. “We support different levels of integration depending on what the customer is ready for. Some just want to upload spreadsheets. Others want full automation. We can support both – and everything in between.”
Real-time tools As the energy transition accelerates, hydropower is
being asked to do more. “We see more renewables, so hydropower is needed more than ever to balance wind and solar,” says Parrer. “To play this role, the plants need to become more flexible and more reactive. That requires digital tools.” The HYDROGRID Insight platform leans heavily into real-time analytics and machine learning. “Instead of
24 | May 2025 |
www.waterpowermagazine.com
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45
