Hydropower goes robotic – International Water Power

Report on the Integration of Robotics and Artificial Intelligence in Hydropower Operations for Sustainable Development

This report details the increasing adoption of robotics and Artificial Intelligence (AI) by global hydropower operators to enhance operational efficiency, mitigate risks, and support the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The deployment of these technologies is critical for advancing SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and SDG 13 (Climate Action) by improving the reliability and sustainability of renewable energy infrastructure.

Case Studies in Technological Deployment for Sustainable Goals

European Initiatives: Enhancing Infrastructure Resilience and Worker Safety (SDG 8 & 9)

In Europe, hydropower operators are leveraging advanced robotics to create safer working conditions and more resilient energy infrastructure, directly contributing to SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 9.

1. Quadrupedal Robotics in Spain: A collaboration between EDP and Alisys at the 124.17MW Tanes hydropower plant deployed the Boston Dynamics Spot robot. The project’s objective was to automate routine inspections and instrument readings, thereby increasing plant efficiency and availability. This innovation supports SDG 9 by fostering resilient infrastructure and allows human operators to focus on higher-value duties, enhancing workplace safety in line with SDG 8.
2. Project Development and Validation: The initiative followed a structured development process, from defining requirements to integrating sensors and developing autonomous control algorithms. Successful testing confirmed the robot’s ability to navigate the facility and perform its assigned missions, demonstrating a practical application of technology for sustainable energy operations.
3. Vattenfall’s AI and Robotics Integration: Vattenfall is applying AI and robotics across its energy portfolio to support multiple SDGs. The use of the Spot robot in hazardous areas of the Forsmark Nuclear Power Plant exemplifies a commitment to SDG 8 by removing human personnel from high-risk environments.

• AI for Infrastructure and Environment (SDG 9, 14, 15): Vattenfall utilizes AI to analyze drone imagery for detecting structural defects in dams, such as at the Goldisthal plant, which is crucial for maintaining infrastructure resilience (SDG 9). Furthermore, AI systems are used for environmental monitoring, including assessing fish health at the Stornorrfors hydropower station and tracking wildlife near wind farms, directly supporting SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and SDG 15 (Life on Land).
• Predictive Maintenance for Clean Energy (SDG 7): AI-driven predictive maintenance algorithms are being used to forecast component failures, reducing unplanned downtime and ensuring a consistent supply of clean energy, which is fundamental to achieving SDG 7.

Specialized Robotic Systems in China: A Focus on Maintenance and Efficiency (SDG 7 & 9)

China Yangtze Power (CYPC) has operationalized three specialized robots designed to perform targeted inspection and maintenance tasks, significantly advancing the safety and efficiency of hydropower infrastructure in alignment with SDG 7 and SDG 9.

• Underwater Dragon: This underwater inspection and maintenance robot operates at depths up to 300m, far exceeding human capabilities. It performs tasks such as photography, scanning, salvage, and cutting, improving maintenance efficiency and reducing safety risks associated with human diving. This enhances the operational integrity of hydropower facilities, supporting the reliable provision of clean energy (SDG 7).
• Gecko: A lightweight robot designed for concrete flow-path inspection, Gecko adheres to surfaces to automatically detect and measure defects. This innovation represents a significant technological advancement for maintaining the structural integrity of hydropower plants, a key component of resilient infrastructure under SDG 9.
• Spiderman: This robot is engineered for the inspection and repair of large steel pressure pipes. It creates 3D models to identify flaws and can perform on-site repairs, including grinding and welding. By ensuring the longevity and safety of critical infrastructure components, the Spiderman robot contributes directly to the goals of SDG 7 and SDG 9.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
   • The entire article focuses on hydropower, a key source of renewable energy. It discusses technological advancements aimed at improving the operational efficiency and reliability of these plants, which directly supports the goal of increasing the share of clean energy. The text states that these technologies “support the transition to renewable energy” and “support reliable renewable electricity production.”
2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
   • The article is centered on the application of innovation (robotics, AI, computer vision) to industrial infrastructure (hydropower plants). It details how companies like EDP, Vattenfall, and CYPC are upgrading their technological capabilities to build more resilient, efficient, and sustainable energy infrastructure. Examples include developing “a computer vision system capable of reading both analog and digital instruments” and creating “3D digital models” of facilities for refurbishment planning.
3. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • A significant theme is the improvement of worker safety. The article repeatedly mentions that robots are deployed to handle tasks that are “difficult, dangerous, or time-consuming for human operators.” Specific examples include using robots in “radioactive areas” at the Forsmark Nuclear Power Plant and an underwater robot that “reduces safety risks” associated with human diving operations. This directly relates to creating safer working environments.
4. SDG 14: Life Below Water & SDG 15: Life on Land
   • The article explicitly describes environmental monitoring as a key application of AI. At the Stornorrfors hydropower station in Sweden, AI systems are used to “detect fish numbers and assess their health,” “identify fungal infections, estimate length and weight, and monitor food availability.” This demonstrates a direct effort to monitor and protect aquatic ecosystems impacted by hydropower operations. The article also mentions tracking “wildlife around wind farms,” connecting the technology to the protection of terrestrial life (SDG 15).

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Under SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy):
   • Target 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix. The article supports this by discussing methods to “increase plant efficiency, maximize availability, and support reliable renewable electricity production” from hydropower, which helps maintain and enhance the contribution of this renewable source.
2. Under SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure):
   • Target 9.4: By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes. The deployment of AI and robotics for “predictive maintenance,” “detecting cracking in the dam structure,” and inspecting “concrete flow-path” and “large steel pressure pipes” are all examples of adopting advanced technologies to make industrial infrastructure more efficient and sustainable.
   • Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors in all countries. The article is a showcase of this target, detailing R&D projects by companies like EDP, Alisys, and Vattenfall to integrate “advanced quadrupedal robotics” and AI into their operations, representing a clear upgrade of technological capabilities.
3. Under SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth):
   • Target 8.8: Protect labour rights and promote safe and secure working environments for all workers. The article highlights the use of robots for tasks “too hazardous for humans,” such as inspections in radioactive areas and deep underwater maintenance (up to 300m), which directly contributes to creating a safer work environment by removing humans from high-risk situations.
4. Under SDG 14 (Life Below Water):
   • Target 14.2: By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts. While the target date has passed, the actions are ongoing. The use of AI at the Stornorrfors hydropower station to monitor fish populations and their health is a direct action towards managing and protecting freshwater ecosystems connected to energy production.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. For SDG 7 Targets:
   • Increased plant efficiency and availability: The article states that the goal of using robotics is to “increase plant efficiency” and “maximize availability.” These are measurable metrics for progress in renewable energy production.
2. For SDG 9 Targets:
   • Adoption of advanced technologies: The number and type of specialized robots deployed (e.g., “Underwater Dragon,” “Gecko,” “Spiderman”) and AI systems implemented for specific tasks (e.g., crack detection, predictive maintenance) serve as direct indicators of technological upgrades.
   • Development of digital infrastructure models: The creation of a “3D digital model” of the Juktan plant is a specific indicator of using technology to improve infrastructure planning and maintenance.
3. For SDG 8 Targets:
   • Reduction of human exposure to hazardous environments: Progress can be measured by the number of tasks transferred from humans to robots in dangerous areas, such as underwater operations performed by robots instead of divers (reaching “five times deeper than human divers”) and inspections in radioactive zones.
4. For SDG 14 Targets:
   • Data on aquatic ecosystem health: The specific data points collected by the AI system are direct indicators. These include “fish numbers,” assessment of “their health,” identification of “fungal infections,” and estimations of “length and weight.” This data provides a measurable way to monitor the impact on and health of the local ecosystem.

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: waterpowermagazine.com