SMART-HS: Smart Hydropower Solutions for Sustainable and Equitable Energy Access in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia

The Smart Hydropower Solutions (SMART-HS) project will revolutionise the optimisation of clean hydropower energy generation in the Lower Mekong region of Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia through the implementation of smart and inclusive hydropower prediction services. SMART-HS aims to support the energy efficiency and dam safety of the existing dense hydropower network to align with fluctuating energy demand and reservoir inflows. This will be achieved in the context of unprecedented climate variability, climate change, and ageing infrastructure in the region, while developing inclusive energy practices to ensure that no community is left behind. Hydropower systems currently provide more than 50% of the energy in the region but are threatened by the increasing frequency of extreme inflows under climate change, the loss of storage due to reservoir sedimentation, and rapidly ageing infrastructure. Integrating advanced monitoring and forecasting systems to secure sustainable hydropower production and dam safety, within this context, is crucial. SMART-HS will enhance the efficiency of the existing network of hydropower plants by using real-time and forecast data on water levels, weather conditions, and energy demand to inform predictive analytics, facilitating proactive adjustments in energy output to meet variations in demand. The existing hydropower network is predominantly composed of micro-plants located in remote and underserved regions, with ageing infrastructure and significant dam safety risks. Ensuring dam safety is paramount to protect downstream communities from harm while sustaining energy provision. We will provide comprehensive training to support sustainable energy generation and minimise socio-economic and environmental impacts, particularly for small hydropower plants in underserved communities. SMART-HS places a strong emphasis on inclusive energy practices to ensure that no community is left behind. By empowering local communities to participate in and benefit from hydropower projects and supporting gender equality, we aim to foster inclusivity and sustainable development. The overarching aim of SMART-HS is to address the pressing challenge of meeting the growing energy demand in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia by distributing clean energy to rural and remote areas in an equitable and sustainable manner. SMART-HS will accelerate the clean energy transition through a smart and inclusive hydropower system. We address this aim through three main objectives. (1) Implement advanced, low-cost monitoring and forecasting systems for hydropower plants across Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia through the integration of sensors, IoT devices, and machine learning algorithms for real-time data collection and predictive analytics. (2) Optimise energy generation to align with fluctuating demand and water flow supply, ensuring the efficient utilisation of hydropower resources. (3) Provide training and support for small hydropower plants in underserved communities to ensure sustainable energy access, thereby enhancing sustainability and empowerment. SMART-HS’s applications and benefits include: (1) Enhanced efficiency and reliability of hydropower generation, supporting underserved communities and the stability of the region's energy supply; (2) Improved resilience to demand fluctuations and grid disruptions, ensuring uninterrupted access to electricity; and (3) Promotion of inclusive energy practices, bridging the gap between urban and rural areas and fostering social cohesion and equity. By harnessing smart prediction services and promoting inclusive energy practices, this project offers a transformative approach to sustainable low-carbon hydropower generation and distribution in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, with methods that are transferable to other transboundary systems globally. We aspire to create a more sustainable and equitable clean energy future for all.