HYDROPOWER PROGRAM
Innovations for Low-Impact Hydropower Growth
Project Name: Hydropower Decision-Support with Machine Learning and Satellite Driven Forecasts
Project Team: Natel Energy
Lead Recipient Location: Alameda, California

Upstream Tech, a subsidiary of Natel Energy, applied machine learning and satellite images to provide the industry with more accurate streamflow forecasts. Supported by a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I award, the company deployed HydroForecast, an artificial-intelligence-powered forecasting software package, at more than 300 locations, allowing a wide array of hydropower developers to plan, operate, and assess risks of hydropower facilities.
Forecasts from this software will enable hydropower developers and regulators to make more informed decisions that save costs, while also increasing operational flexibility and environmental performance of hydropower projects. To demonstrate the accuracy of its forecasting efforts, Upstream Tech competed in the Streamflow Forecast Rodeo, a forecast skill competition run by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, placing first in the all-around competition and winning 23 of 25 performance categories.
Encouraged by these results and an SBIR Phase II award, Upstream Tech will develop additional weather forecast resources using a scalable, resilient, and secure cloud-based system. The company will continue quantifying water power technologies’ technical and financial benefits to continue moving its forecasting technologies toward commercialization.
Innovations for Low-Impact Hydropower Growth Projects
WPTO's Hydropower e-newsletter features news on R&D and applied science to advance sustainable hydropower and pumped-storage technologies.
The WPTO e-newsletter brings funding opportunities, events, publications, hydropower, and marine energy updates directly to your inbox.