SINTEF, in collaboration with NTNU, has extensive experience in developing solutions to optimize the use of hydropower. Every year, SINTEF Energy Research invites the hydropower industry to a user meeting to discuss the use and development of these hydropower models. This year's user meeting was held from 28-29 November in Trondheim, and had 90 participants, setting a new record.
"At SINTEF, we are committed to ensuring that scientific advancements and insights from practitioners in the field are reflected in our research-based decision-making tools. Thorough analysis is becoming increasingly important for a power system that is facing greater and more radical changes than ever, and our models have gained increased significance for value creation in our partner companies," said Knut Samdal, research director at SINTEF Energy Research.
Arild Helseth and Hans Christian Bolstad at SINTEF Energy Research
Future-oriented models
In the past year, SINTEF has made significant efforts to ensure that its models are oriented towards the future, which means that they should always be capable of benefiting from the latest breakthroughs in research and practice while providing their users an efficient, user-friendly, and state-of-the-art experience. Niklas Dønåsen from Hafslund Eco gave a presentation during the meeting, highlighting what he and Hafslund Eco desire in the development of the multi area power-market simulator EMPS.
"There is the possibility for us to influence the model’s development. Version 10 of the EMPS model is a step in the right direction, and we want more steps like this that make it easier to update inputs," says Dønåsen.
He emphasizes the model’s good user support, where key individuals at SINTEF step in to help with questions.
"Participating in this user meeting is very useful. SINTEF is an important model provider for us. Over these two days, we learn more about further developments for the current models and what new features are coming. In addition, the exchange of experience is valuable," he says.
Niklas Dønåsen spoke about Hafslund Eco's implementation of the EMPS model and how they want to work with SINTEF's models.
Direct access to the people who know the models
"SINTEF's models are crucial for market operations. I attend this meeting to keep up with developments and receive information about what SINTEF wants to develop in the future," said Ellen Krohn Aasgård. She is a department head at Aneo for a group that uses the models SHOP and ProdRisk daily.
"We collaborate well with SINTEF; they have dedicated professionals who are easy to talk to and are as concerned about these models as we are," she continued.
Nils Flaten Ræder uses SHOP at Norsk Hydro
"The big advantage of collaborating with SINTEF is that we come into direct contact with the people who work with the models and know them best. We don't have to go through multiple layers of customer service, but can just go straight to the people who know the models. It helps build trust," said Nils Flaten Ræder, who uses the SHOP model in his everyday work at Norsk Hydro.
He finds it useful to participate in the user meeting to get an overview of what other stakeholders are doing and gain insight into the development of the models.
The next user meeting for SINTEF's hydropower models will be from 6-7 May 2025.
