A new AI model combines streamflow data with power plant data to estimate both water discharge and hydropower production—even in areas where measurements are lacking. This provides better insight into energy, flooding, and natural resources across Norway.
At Kongsberg Agenda, Silius Mortensønn Vandeskog from the Norwegian Computing Center and CEO Terje Vedeler from Småkraft AS hosted a discussion on how artificial intelligence can enable smarter use of hydrological data.
In many Norwegian river systems, there is insufficient data to accurately determine how much water is flowing in rivers—and consequently how much power can be generated. This creates uncertainty for energy planning, flood risk assessment, and resource management.
As part of the Climate Futures research center, the Norwegian Computing Center, NORCE, and Småkraft AS have developed an advanced AI model that links streamflow data with production data from small hydropower plants. By combining research methods with operational experience, the model can estimate both river flow and power generation—even in areas that have previously had very limited data.
This can lead to:
- a stronger basis for planning hydropower and energy systems
- improved understanding of floods and high-flow events
- smarter use of data in areas with few measurement points
- better forecasts of future power production
During the presentation, Silius Vandeskog provided an overview of the research conducted so far in the project and its outcomes. Terje Vedeler then went into more detail on how the research from Climate Futures can create value for Småkraft AS, what is already being implemented, the benefits achieved so far, and the potential for how further research can contribute to more efficient hydropower production in the future.
Contact persons:
Silius Mortensønn Vandeskog, Senior Researcher, Norwegian Computing Centre
+47 22 85 26 95 / smvandeskog@nr.no
Terje Vedeler, CEO / Managing Director, Småkraft AS
+47 90 72 65 68 / terje.vedeler@smaakraft.no
