EU Project HYDRO4UEU Project Hydro4U Powers a Sustainable Future: European Innovation Brings New Hydropower Solutions to Central Asia

Central Asia is rich in hydropower potential, especially in its upstream regions, but much of this remains untapped. Ageing infrastructure, limited investment in new plants, and mounting pressures from climate change and water scarcity continue to hold the sector back. The Hydro4U project is approaching to the niche of small hydropower by introducing innovative, climate-resilient small hydropower solutions that are affordable, easy to install in remote areas, and built to meet strict European quality and environmental standards. The consortium implements advanced planning tools, is working hand in hand with local communities, and builds partnerships with regional companies. The aim is a pathway to cleaner and more sustainable energy supply and new commercial opportunities across Central Asia.

Central Asia holds immense potential for hydropower, but existing infrastructure and growing pressure on scarce water resources have so far hindered progress. The Hydro4U project, funded by the European Union, has successfully developed and tested two innovative small hydropower (SHP) solutions designed to support local communities and taking into consideration the environmental and ecological aspects.

In Shakimardan, Uzbekistan, the Francis Container Power Solution (FCPS) has already been commissioned - delivering renewable energy with a modular, low-cost approach that makes it easy to deploy, even in remote areas.

Meanwhile, in At-Bashy, Kyrgyzstan, construction is underway on the Hydroshaft Power Solution (HSPS), a state-of-the-art plant designed as well for maximum climate resilience and ecological compatibility.

Beyond these two technological solutions, Hydro4U partners are advancing a suite of innovative tools - from GIS-based mapping and advanced water accounting systems to fish-friendly ecological monitoring - all designed to align hydropower development with the Water-Energy-Food-Climate Nexus. At the same time, drone-based surveys and 3D planning methods such as Building Information Modelling (BIM) are setting new standards for sustainable and integrated power generation across the region.

Furthermore, from the start, Hydro4U partners have worked closely with local communities, and businesses, ensuring that this projects brings not only energy security but also local economic opportunities for the people. For many residents, these plants represent a long-awaited step toward a more reliable and sustainable energy future.

As one of the project partners Steinbeis Europa Zentrum is responsible for communication, dissemination, knowledge transfer and exploitation activities. As an innovation manager it supports the management of IPR.

As the project moves forward, the Hydro4U consortium aims to replicate these successes across the region to help Central Asia unlock its vast hydropower potential while setting the standards of how renewable energy can be developed responsibly.

Some Facts about Hydro4U:

Hydro4U - Hydropower For You - is a project funded under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme. Under the coordination of Technical University of Munich, 13 partner organisations from 8 countries are collaborating to boost sustainable small-scale hydropower in Central Asia. Eco-friendly hydropower solutions will be implemented in two demonstration plants in Central Asia

Hydro4U receives funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation programme.

• Grant Agreement number: 101022905
• Type of project: Innovation Action
• Coordinator: Technical University of Munich
• Project duration: 01/06/2021 – 31/05/2026
• Total Project budget: € 11,488,428
• Total EC funding: € 9,931,160
• Consortium: 13 partners from 8 countries (Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Sri Lanka, Uzbekistan, Spain, Belgium, Kyrgyzstan)

Read more about our support and role in HYDRO4U:

Innovation Management in EU-Projects - Small hydropower for Central Asia - Steinbeis EN

• Website: www.hydro4u.eu
• Newsletter subscription: Newsletter - Hydro4U
• LinkedIn: Hydro4U
• Twitter: @Hydro4Uproject
• YouTube: Hydro4U
• Flyer (EN/RU): download Flyer

Coordinator contact: Technical University of Munich: Bertalan Alapfy; E-mail: coordination@hydro4u.eu

Press contact: Steinbeis Europa Zentrum: Charlotte Schlicke; Email: info@hydro4u.eu