Renewable Energy Sources Transforming Our Regions (RESTOR) Hydro is a European project aiming at increasing renewable energy production from small and micro hydropower, by identifying and restoring suitable historical sites, mills and hydropower stations that are currently inoperative.
Unrealized potential for small and micro hydropower generation exists in Europe’s thousands of historic mills, water wheels, inoperative hydropower stations, weirs and other lateral structures in rivers.
Repowering abandoned sites results in the generation of hydroelectric power, both for local use and for injection to the European electrical grid. This simultaneously leads to increasing electricity production from renewable sources, energy independence and grid stability. Besides enhancing energy supply security, the creation of local energy sources gives a boost to local economies, provides income sources and creates jobs.
The RESTOR Hydro project identifies the most relevant sites suitable for refurbishment and stimulates investment through the development of a market-driven model for regional cooperatives. Identification and refurbishment follow specific methodological guidelines, taking into account environmental, economic and social aspects.
RESTOR Hydro aims at assessing the state of small hydropower and refurbishment potential in the whole EU-27 region. Restoration programmes will be implemented in eight selected target countries:
BELGIUM, FRANCE, GREECE, ITALY, LITHUANIA, POLAND, SLOVENIA, SWEDEN.
Project Objectives
- Supply electricity to local communities and the European grid on a sustainable and economically viable basis
- Raise awareness that small hydropower is an environmentally sustainable and beneficial part of our renewable energy mix
- Demonstrate the attractiveness of small hydropower as a local investment vehicle, bringing revenue to local communities and contributing to energy independence, while preserving our historical heritage and the environment
- Contribute to significant, stable renewable energy generation throughout the EU
