A new initiative, led by Professor Louise Slater, an expert in Hydroclimatology at the School of Geography and the Environment and a Hertford Fellow, seeks to revolutionize the optimization of hydropower systems in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. The Smart Hydropower Solutions (SMART-HS) project, supported by over £2 million from UK Research and Innovation’s (UKRI) Ayrton Challenge Programme, aims to deliver sustainable and equitable energy access across the region.

Over the next three years, SMART-HS will develop state-of-the-art monitoring and forecasting technologies to enhance the efficiency and safety of hydropower networks. These systems, which currently generate more than 50% of energy in the Lower Mekong region, are grappling with challenges such as climate variability, aging infrastructure, and growing energy demands. The project aims to support cleaner, more reliable energy production, especially in underserved rural areas, while promoting inclusive and sustainable practices.

Professor Slater expressed enthusiasm for the project: “We are thrilled to collaborate with our partners in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia to develop innovative technologies that combine sensors and satellite-based monitoring with existing models and machine learning. These tools will enhance the efficiency and safety of small hydropower plants.”

The SMART-HS project will deploy affordable, real-time monitoring systems alongside advanced predictive analytics to help hydropower plants adapt to shifting energy demands and water availability. By integrating data on weather, water levels, and infrastructure safety, the initiative will boost hydropower performance while mitigating risks to downstream communities.

Professor Slater emphasized the project’s commitment to empowering local communities: “Our focus is on ensuring that advancements in clean energy benefit all regions. This includes training local operators and promoting gender equality in the energy sector to leave no community behind.”

SMART-HS represents a collaboration between the University of Oxford, the University of Edinburgh, and international partners such as Hanoi University of Mining and Geology and the National Center for Water Resources Planning and Investigation in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia.

The Ayrton Challenge Programme, part of the UK Government’s Ayrton Fund, supports groundbreaking research tackling urgent global climate and energy issues. SMART-HS is among 13 projects funded under this initiative, which focuses on facilitating equitable transitions to low-carbon energy systems in developing nations.

Congratulations to Professor Slater!