SUHO: Sustainable hydropower via cluster hybrid operation and hydrological forecasting under uncertainties

Abstract

The SUHO project, conducted by the University of Oulu and the Finnish Environment Institute, is a four-year initiative (2026-2029) funded by the Research Council of Finland under the Sustainable Energy Solutions of the Future program. The project aims to strengthen hydropower's role in grid frequency control, improve hydrological forecasting, and optimize lake regulation to support the efficient and sustainable use of hydropower, now and in the future. (https://research.fi/en/results/funding/86440)

Project Vision and Objectives

Hydropower is a steady, reliable, flexible, and renewable energy source with very low emissions throughout its life cycle. In Finland, it plays a key role in providing regulating and reserve power, supporting the integration of increasing shares of low-emission, intermittent electricity generation.

The research conducted under SUHO takes a systemic view of hydropower, focusing on the analysis of grid frequency control and the optimization of lake and reservoir regulation.

In particular, SUHO aims to:

· strengthen the role of hydropower in future sustainable energy systems,

· ensure that hydropower remains competitive in Nordic grid frequency control while extending asset lifetime,

· improve and optimize the hydropower system operation under hydrological uncertainty and changing climate conditions, while supporting flood protection and ecological flow requirements.

Research Consortium and stakeholders

The consortium, formed by the

· Intelligent Machines and Systems research unit at the University of Oulu and

· Climate Solutions and Built Environment Solutions units at the Finnish Environment Institute

brings together the core domains of automatic control, hydrological modeling, and forecasting.

The consortium adopts a multidisciplinary approach to operational challenges in hydropower, building on the consortium partners’ prior work in hydrological forecasting, flood risk management, and process control.

The consortium collaborates closely with key stakeholders to ensure the relevance and impact of the research. An Advisory Board has been established, comprising representatives from Finland’s largest hydropower producers, Fingrid, and regional Centres for Economic Development.

IMS 19.05.2026 / IS