Extracting energy from rivers and lakes in a sustainable way

To accelerate the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals and create the clean energy future we want by the year 2030, we must create more awareness of all available clean energy technologies, in order to map out, design and build the best strategies for affordable, efficient and sustainable energy solutions. EXTRAQT and Turbulent design and develop practical decarbonisation implementations. Extracting energy from rivers and lakes with micro-hydropower and aquathermal heating & cooling, present two of such affordable, practical and low-cost solutions, that fit our energy, societal and ecological requirements like a glove, but are often overlooked. They can simultaneously improve access to energy from renewable sources, offer employment opportunities, expand growth, and contribute to combating climate change. Micro-hydropower and aquathermal technologies provide unmatched flexibility and storage services required for ensuring energy security and delivering more renewable solar and wind power onto the grid, guaranteeing a resilient, flexible and distributed energy generation. Moreover, these installations come with the lowest energy generation prices in comparison to other sustainable technologies. A large number of developing countries have major undeveloped micro-hydropower and aquathermal potential. Plus, there is a big opportunity to develop micro-hydropower and aquathermal sites combined with other economic activities, such as irrigation, (waste)water treatment, agricultural services and food processing, electric mobility, telecommunication, and last but not least healthcare and education. EXTRAQT, Turbulent and VUB’s BCLIMATE Research Group tap into this huge global potential through their worldwide network of partners and supporters, spreading the word and building capacity, unlocking infrastructure investment and development opportunities.