SnowPower

SnowPower is a SaaS solution that enables utilities to monitor and predict hydropower generation six months in advance by providing an estimate of snow water equivalent and using seasonal forecasts.

Amigo is specialised in the development of innovative climate services in different sectors, i.e. energy, infrastructure, food and agriculture, water management, and re/insurance. Our solutions synergise the best available climate data from satellite observations, modelling products and in-situ measurements through state-of-art AI techniques, statistical analysis and numerical modelling. The information extracted from climate data is provided to the final user through ready-to-use solutions such as data streams, reports and digital platforms. 

Challenge

Hydropower uses water from rivers or from dams to generate electricity through the rotation of turbine blades. To optimally control hydropower plants, one needs to know the total water availability, i.e. both the rain and the water contained in the snow cover (Snow Water Equivalent).

In-situ measurements in combination with satellite and meteorological models could improve the estimation of snow cover and snow water equivalent and reduce the dependence on their natural fluctuations. Accurate estimation of snow water content could allow energy producers to better manage natural resources and make renewable energy production more efficient.

To address these challenges and promising business prospects, AMIGO has developed a new software as a service: SnowPower. This is the first commercial climate service of its kind that combines a satellite-based snow water equivalent with climate data to estimate and predict the energy generated  by hydropower plants up to  six months in advance.

Work Plan

WP1, Customer/user Engagement,  is based on an intensive co-design process. As a result, SnowPower will meet the customer needs, and fit the decision-making process without disrupting it.

T1.1: Analysis of customer/user scenario(s), associated needs and constraints

T1.2: Identification of service requirements per customer/user category

T1.3: Identification of success criteria and selling points

T1.4: Engagement / securing of customers for service or potential follow-on activity

WP2, Business model definition, will design a financially sustainable solution considering the customer needs, the technical criticalities and the existing market.

T2.1: Market analysis for the envisaged services

T2.2: Competitive analysis 

T2.3: Business proposition

T2.4: Service value chain presentation, including the identification of partnership(s) models for the pre-operational and operational phase 

T2.5: Identification of economic and non-economic risks, including possible regulatory barriers 

T2.6: Financial sustainability assessment, based on business case elaboration

T2.7: Definition of a roadmap for service implementation and exploitation

T2.8: Identification / securing access to funding / investment for a potential follow-on activity.

T2.9: Validation of the business model with end users

WP3 Pilot with a customer, will conduct and implement the model for the pilot area identified together with the customer representatives.

T3.1: Definition of the pilot region

T3.2: Data gathering and database definition

T3.3: Training of the AI/ML models

T3.4: Validation of the model

T3.5: Interaction with the customer for model refinement