| Digitalisation
just reacting to weather, the system can predict inflows and suggest the best production plan ahead of time,” he explains. “If conditions change, like a sudden flood, the software can recalculate very quickly – much faster than managing it manually or in scattered technologies.” And it’s not just about faster response. “Digital tools help ensure environmental limits are always respected – like minimum flow or reservoir levels – without needing constant manual oversight,” Parrer adds. Machine learning also improves over time. “The system learns how your plant behaves, how weather impacts your reservoir, and gets better every day at making accurate suggestions.”
Start simple Parrer is well aware that trust is often the biggest barrier
to adoption. “Some teams are unsure if digital tools will really make a difference. Others worry they don’t have the time or resources to start,” he says. But by starting small and demonstrating clear value fast, HYDROGRID has been able to build confidence. “You don’t need a big IT team or months of setup. Start simple – Excel upload, API mapping – then scale step by step.” Ultimately, the focus is on supporting people, not
replacing them. “There’s so much work to do and will be in the future. Having a tool at your hand that supports you, gives you a suggestion, and lets you refine it – that’s what we’re aiming for,” says Parrer. That philosophy is embedded into the platform design. “Even though we use AI and machine learning, the human is always in control,” he says. “You can always manually override. You still have the final say.”
Results So, what kind of results can operators expect from
digitalisation? According to Parrer, they’re significant – and measurable. “On average, customers see up to 10% more energy from the same water. In volatile markets, even up to 50% more revenue,” he says. “We also see around three and a half hours saved per week on daily planning and reporting. Everything’s in one solution and automatically prepared.”
Other benefits include fewer mistakes, less manual work, and – perhaps most importantly – peace of mind. “You know the plant is solid, optimised and safe, even if things change quickly.” Parrer also highlights regulatory compliance. “Our
platform ensures environmental and operational limits are always respected, and that reduces risk. That kind of built-in reliability is hard to overstate.”
Trends driving digital hydropower The shift toward digitalisation isn’t happening in isolation.
Broader trends are reshaping hydro’s role in the energy landscape – amplifying the need for smart systems. “One major trend is the increasing penetration of
renewables. Hydro is the flexible backbone that can stabilise the grid,” says Parrer. “But to do that effectively, it has to respond to changing conditions faster than ever.” He also points to the complexity of electricity markets.
“In Europe, price signals now shift every 15 minutes. That level of granularity is impossible to manage manually across multiple plants.” Another driver is workforce transition. “Many operators want fewer night shifts, less repetitive manual work. Digital tools help make that possible.” Automation is growing, but it doesn’t mean operators
are being sidelined. “The goal is to give teams better tools so they can focus on higher-value tasks, not to take control away,” Parrer emphasises. HYDROGRID’s reach is international, and the company is seeing digital momentum build across several key regions. “Scandinavia and the Alpine region – Switzerland, Austria, Germany – are definitely leading in terms of fleet- level optimisation,” Parrer says. “Latin American countries like Brazil are also pushing ahead, especially to handle changing water patterns and reduce spillage.” In North America, digitalisation is picking up in regions
where hydropower is increasingly called upon to stabilise grids flooded with intermittent solar and wind. “California is a good example – they’re adding smart controls to make plants more responsive and integrated with the broader system.” What unites these success stories? “They all start small,
prove the value, and then scale,” he says. “You don’t need a perfect setup on day one.”
Advice for getting started For companies just beginning their digital journey
– especially smaller operators – Parrer’s advice is straightforward: “Pick one plant, one team, or one challenge, and solve it with a digital tool. Show the value, build trust, then scale from there.” He also stresses choosing the right partner. “Look for someone who listens and can adapt to your setup, not someone offering a one-size-fits-all approach.” Finally, he encourages early and open communication
with plant teams. “Your people are the key to success. Get them involved early. Show them how it works. That’s where the momentum starts.”
Digital tools, human outcomes In the end, Parrer believes digital tools must be measured
by how they improve daily life for plant teams. “Success means operators can manage their plants better, faster, and with more confidence,” he says. “It’s not just about technology; it’s about solving real problems.” For HYDROGRID, that means being more than just a
software provider. “We don’t want to be just a vendor. We want to be a trusted partner in hydropower operations,” says Parrer.
HYDROGRID Insight: Cockpit View
More information
Learn more about HYDROGRID Insight at
www.hydrogrid.ai.
www.waterpowermagazine.com | May 2025 | 25
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