Hydropower in the AI era: cybersecurity, automation and digitalisation

As power systems decarbonise and digitalise, it is imperative that hydropower provide more flexibility, faster response and tighter integration with markets and grids. AI‑enabled forecasting, predictive maintenance, digital twins and remote or unmanned operations are already beginning to transform how plants are monitored and dispatched, moving operators from reactive troubleshooting to proactive, data‑driven asset management. These tools promise higher efficiency, reduced downtime and better use of scarce water resources, while supporting hydropower’s evolving role as a backbone of renewable‑heavy systems.

However, greater connectivity and reliance on digitalised processes further expands the risk of cyber‑attacks on dams and hydropower control systems. As plants adopt remote operation centres, cloud‑based analytics and integrated IT/OT architectures, their protection needs shift from simple perimeter security to more sophisticated, ongoing cyber‑risk management. Operators also face new risks around data integrity, remote access and third‑party software or service providers embedded in critical workflows. Operators must therefore pair digital innovation with robust cybersecurity, governance and workforce capabilities to avoid turning new strengths into new weaknesses. This session explores how hydropower owners, technology providers and regulators can harness AI and automation safely in an era of accelerating digital and cyber risk.

Session Objectives

• Present how AI, automation and unmanned operations can enhance efficiency, flexibility and revenues for hydropower developers.
• Identify the digital tools, data systems and plant‑level upgrades required from OEMs and technology providers to support smart hydropower operations.
• Highlight best practices for building a secure, cyber‑resilient hydropower ecosystem, including protection of OT/IT systems and digital infrastructure.
• Discuss policy and regulatory measures needed to accelerate digitalisation and AI adoption across the hydropower sector.
• Examine the operational challenges faced by developers as grids become increasingly renewable‑heavy, and the digital solutions needed to address them.