Downing to Digitalise 32 Hydropower Plants Across Sweden

Stockholm/Vienna/London – September 2nd, 2024

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Investment manager Downing, a key player in the renewable energy sector, and HYDROGRID, announce their collaboration to enhance the operational efficiency and sustainability of Downing's hydropower operations in Sweden. This strategic partnership aims to optimise Downing's portfolio of 32 hydropower plants, integrating cutting-edge technology to enhance performance and automation

Together with HYDROGRID, Downing will focus on implementing a mix of modules, ranging from full cascade optimisation to plant connection with basic inflow integration. The project is set to kick off in September 2024.

From pilot plant to full portfolio roll-out

"HYDROGRID's technology is a cornerstone of our digitalisation journey, making our small-scale cascades future- ready," said Ulf Wennilsjo, Portfolio Manager and GM of Downing Sweden."Our collaboration will leverage HYDROGRID Insight to optimise a 45MW fleet comprising 32 power plants, including the Norsälven Cascade, which served as a proof of concept over the past year."

"Starting with Norsälven Cascade, and moving forward to the full portfolio, Downing has renewed and amplified trust in our collaboration, focusing on automation and digitalisation across their hydro fleet," said Janice Goodenough, CEO of HYDROGRID.“We are honoured to support Downing reach this goal and look forward to celebrating each milestone along the way.”

The advanced water management platform is set to complement the acceptance of the first Downing HPP into the capacity market under FCR-N and FCR-D. Additionally, Downing will work closely withOneNordic for operations and maintenance, ensuring seamless data communication and operational excellence.

The development is particularly relevant for the European energy market landscape, as increasing flexibility of hydropower production and dispatch has never been more critical. The optimisation of small hydropower through digitalisation and automation represents a significant shift in how hydropower operators can gain a competitive advantage across all energy markets.

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About Downing:

Downing is a responsible investment manager established in London in 1986. We manage £2 billion of assets under a range of investment mandates across our funds, investment trusts and other products. Our key private market investment areas include renewable energy, infrastructure, and residential and operating real estate sectors. In public markets, we have a boutique of specialist fund managers that provide a distinctive suite of investment mandates.

For more information, visit www.downing.co.uk

About HYDROGRID:

HYDROGRID Insight is an integrated water management and production planning platform that offers a full digitalization solution for the optimal operation of hydropower plants 365-days-a-year. The smart hydro software solution provides comprehensive, predictive capabilities such as plant monitoring, predictive production planning, and optimal trading, as well as environmental and maintenance management in a single tool.This allows hydro operations teams to optimize plant efficiency and collaboration, increase revenues, and produce more energy even with limited time and resources.

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For media inquiries, please contact:

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Jean Birrell
Downing

jean.birrell@downing.co.uk

0203 824 6987

Madalina Teodorescu
HYDROGRIDGmbHmte@hydrogrid.ai

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