Upstream Tech used machine learning and satellite data to develop more accurate streamflow forecasts that will help hydropower developers and regulators make more informed decisions about future hydropower projects and operations.
Water Power Technologies Office
March 9, 2022
minute read time
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
-
Two teams win the Groundbreaking Hydro Prize for developing cutting-edge concepts to lower costs and development timelines associated with building foundations for new hydropower projects. -
With support from partners, the U.S. Department of Energy’s I AM Hydro Prize awarded $175,000 in cash prizes to 11 teams for their novel concepts to apply new advanced manufacturing techniques for hydropower. -
To support irrigation districts in upgrading outdated systems, national laboratory researchers developed a tool that provides system designs for districts to understand the benefits of hydropower to decarbonize agriculture. -
Natel Energy conducted fish passage tests with its Restoration Hydropower Turbine and found a 100% survival rate for adult rainbow trout and American eels. -
Researchers at ORNL released updated cost estimates for non-powered dam projects in the United States to help save stakeholders time, effort, and money when assessing potential projects. -
The Integrated Water Power Resilience Project, a collaborative effort between two national laboratories, led to the development of tools and resources that will help researchers create more resilient water power systems.
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.