A global collaborative platform of leading research and academic has been launched to share knowledge on how to best support sustainable sediment management.
The HydroSediNET initiative aims to connect experts and innovators supporting the planning, implementation and operation of effective and sustainable sediment management in storage reservoirs and run-of-river hydropower plants.
The initiative has been funded by the Austrian Federal Ministry of Finance and administered by the World Bank’s ESMAP Hydropower Development Facility. It aims to support the work of universities and research institutions, hydropower companies, utilities, manufacturers and consultancies, as well as public sector agencies, multilateral organisations and financial institutions.
“Sustainable sediment management of reservoirs and hydropower facilities requires solid understanding of environmental systems and hydrology, as well as close cooperation between a range of stakeholders,” said Pravin Karki, Global Lead Hydropower and Dams at the World Bank. “Bringing together stakeholders from around the world, HydroSediNET aims to bridge these gaps by fostering collaboration, research, and knowledge exchange on planning and implementing effective sediment management policies and strategies.”
The network is supported by seven founding members: Kyoto University; Hydro Lab; International Hydropower Association; Norwegian University of Science and Technology; SINTEF Energy Research; Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich; and the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences.