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41 

 

 

 

Review 

From novel turbine designs to artificial intelligence: 

a review of cutting-edge innovations in hydropower 

systems 
Brooklyn Mckenzie Smith* 

Department of Mechanical Engineering, Arkansas Tech University, 1811 N Boulder Ave, Russellville, AR, 72801, USA 

A R T I C L E   I N F O 
 

Article history: 
Received 02 March 2025  
Received in revised form 
10 April 2025 
Accepted 25 April 2025 
 
Keywords: 
Hydropower technology, Kinetic energy, 
Efficiency, Renewable energy, Electricity 
 
*Corresponding author 
Email address:  
Bsmith160@atu.edu 
  
 
DOI: 10.55670/fpll.fuen.4.2.5 

A B S T R A C T 
 

This paper explores the breakthroughs made in hydropower technology and 
efficiency. The research aims to assess and highlight the advances in 
hydropower technology and efficiency by investigating the different 
breakthroughs such as improved turbine designs, aquatic life preservation in 
relation to the hydropower industry, the utilization of AI, simulations, and 
digitalization, advancements made in artificial channeling, exploring and 
advancing marine and hydrokinetic technologies, along with the methods used 
to optimize operations in the hydropower industry. Hydropower, as a clean and 
reliable renewable energy source, utilizes various types of structures to harness 
the kinetic energy of moving water to generate electricity. The main initiatives 
in advancing hydropower include increasing efficiency, improving cost 
effectiveness, exploring new technologies, and minimizing environmental 
impacts. Hydropower generates roughly six percent of the energy produced in 
the United States and roughly fifteen percent of all electricity worldwide. Over 
the last 20 years, global hydropower capacity has increased by seventy percent 
and is projected to grow by an additional seventeen percent between the years 
2021 and 2030. This energy source shows a strong, steady upward trend in the 
advances made in hydropower technology and efficiencies. 

 

 
1. Introduction  

Hydropower was one of the first energy sources to be 

explored and utilized. This renewable energy source has been 

used for thousands of years. Early civilizations utilized this 

form of renewable energy to generate mechanical energy and 

complete tasks such as grinding grain [1]. The modern form 

of hydropower used to generate electricity began to gain 

traction in the late 1800’s when the first hydroelectric power 

plant in the United States became operational in 1882 [2]. 

Over the last century, hydroelectric power has made many 

advances in design, technology, and efficiency. The 

conventional dam is one of the more commonly utilized 

hydroelectric power generation systems. The water collected 

in the man-made lake or reservoir flows through the intake 

valve and into a pipe also referred to as a penstock. The water 

then spins a turbine, which in turn spins a generator, 

ultimately producing electricity [3]. The conversion from 

water to wire is roughly 90% efficient. This is at the higher 

end of the spectrum as Coal, Natural gas, and Oil plants 

typically achieve roughly only 30% to 40% efficiency [4]. 

Once the energy is produced, it is fed into the electrical grid 

for distribution.  Many of the largest hydropower dams are 

located in the western United States [5]. Roughly 60% of the 

state of Washington’s electricity comes from hydropower. 

Currently, hydroelectric power is used in every state in the 

USA besides Delaware and Mississippi [6]. Hydropower has 

the potential to advance and improve environmental 

performance. With rising concerns for the environment and 

economic impacts, this energy source could potentially solve 

a multitude of global economic and environmental concerns. 

However, hydropower has its faults, such as negative 

environmental effects, including habitat loss, the effect on fish 

and wildlife, and the unnatural alterations made to the river 

flows, sediment deposition, water temperature, and water 

quality [7]. Potential advances focused on solving these 

environmental concerns could cause hydropower to become 

more desirable and mainstream. Economically, hydropower 

offers significant benefits such as reduced reliance on fossil 

fuels and low-cost electricity generation [8]. This outweighs 

the economic challenges that are associated with 

hydropower, such as the high initial cost of establishing a 

 

 

Future Energy 

Open Access Journal 

https://doi.org/10.55670/fpll.fuen.4.2.5 

 

May 2025| Volume 04 | Issue 02 | Pages 41-49 

Journal homepage: https://fupubco.com/fuen 

 
ISSN 2832-0328 

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BM. Smith /Future Energy                                                                                                                  May 2025| Volume 04 | Issue 02| Pages 41-49 

42 

 

hydroelectric power plant and the environmental impacts 

that can potentially take place.  

2. The different types of Hydropower plants 

There are four main types of hydropower plants. The 

main types of hydropower facilities consist of Reservoir 

hydropower, Diversion Hydropower, Offshore hydropower, 

and pumped storage [9]. Each of these projects harnesses the 

energy of moving water in a different way. The type of 

hydropower facility implemented depends on factors such as 

water flow availability, type of water source available, and the 

potential amount of energy generated [10]. Hence, the use of 

offshore hydropower is often utilized along the coasts, while 

reservoir hydropower is implemented mainly along rivers or 

large bodies of water.  

2.1 Pumped storage hydropower 

Pumped Storage Hydropower (PSH) is the technique 

used to store energy by pumping water from a lower 

reservoir uphill to a higher reservoir during periods of low 

energy demand (Figure 1). Once the demand for energy 

increases, the water is released from the upper reservoir. As 

the water flows through turbines and moves towards the 

lower reservoir, it generates electricity [11]. An example of a 

low energy demand period would be when other renewable 

energy sources, such as wind and solar, are producing excess 

power or during the night [12]. The PSH system was first 

utilized in 1907 in Switzerland at the Engeweiher pumped 

storage facility [13]. The first pumped storage hydropower 

facility in the U.S., known as the Rocky River Plant, became 

operational in 1929 [14]. The PSH system helps create grid 

stability by storing energy during periods of low energy 

demand and ensuring a source of reliable power when the 

energy demand is high. PSH is the only technology for 

prolonged energy storage on the market and is known for its 

predictability and reliability [15]. Previously used PSH 

systems have been found to have negative environmental 

impacts, such as changes to ecosystems and water levels. One 

advancement made would be the design of the closed-loop 

PSH system. The closed-loop PSH is contained between two 

reservoirs but does not flow into or out of any natural bodies 

of water. This minimizes the effect on existing ecosystems and 

water levels in natural water bodies.  

 

Figure 1. Pumped storage hydropower plant system [19] 

Another benefit of the closed-loop systems is that they 

can be located in areas that are not near rivers or lakes and 

utilize man-made sites such as mines that are no longer used 

and converted into reservoirs [16]. PSH technology has also 

undergone other advances such as new equipment controls, 

improved reversible pump-turbines, and adjustable speed 

turbines. These advances allow the pumping cycle to increase 

efficiency by 5% over the last 25 years [17].  PSH has several 

advantages in comparison to other forms of energy storage, 

including a low economic lifetime cost and a high power 

capacity [18].  

2.2 Impoundment hydropower 

Impoundment hydropower, which is also referred to as 

reservoir hydropower, is a type of hydropower plant that 

utilizes either a natural or man-made river. A dam is built to 

halt the flow of the river and create a reservoir of water. This 

allows the storage of water, which can then be released as 

needed to create a steady flow of generated electricity. When 

the water is released from the reservoir, it flows through a 

pipe also known as a penstock. The water flow causes the 

turbine blades to turn. The turbine is connected to a 

generator, which converts the mechanical energy of the 

turbine into electrical energy. The electrical energy generated 

can then be released into the electrical grid for distribution 

[20]. Impoundment hydropower allows for the storage of 

water for long periods of time, even when river levels begin 

to decrease. Impoundment hydropower plants allow control 

over the release of water, which allows operators to generate 

hydroelectricity on demand [21]. Disadvantages of reservoir 

hydropower facilities include the disruption of natural river 

flows, ecosystems, fish and wildlife populations, and water 

quality. Dams can also disrupt the natural formation of 

sediment, leading to poor water quality downstream and a 

potential negative impact on agricultural lands. 

Impoundment hydropower facilities require large areas of 

land, which can lead to land disputes [22]. Annually, reservoir 

hydropower plants generate roughly 4,000 terawatt-hours of 

electricity [23].  

 

 

 



BM. Smith /Future Energy                                                                                                                  May 2025| Volume 04 | Issue 02| Pages 41-49 

43 

 

A key advancement involving impoundment 

hydropower facilities would be the creation of a more 

efficient turbine design, which could be implemented in 

currently existing dams without the need to construct new 

dams.  This would be a cost-efficient design advancement that 

would solve problems associated with impoundment 

facilities without the high costs of building a new dam site. 

The Natel’s Restoration Hydro Turbine (RHT) is the first 

turbine in the hydropower industry that allows for the safe 

passage of fish and wildlife while still meeting high 

performance standards. This effort shows advances in efforts 

to preserve biodiversity while continuing the progression of 

renewable energy production [24].  In the United States alone, 

there are over 90,000 dams (Figure 2). The National 

Inventory of Dams (NID) states there are 92,075 dams 

currently in the United States. Only 3% or 2,500 of all dams in 

the U.S. actually generate power [25]. The non-powered dams 

(NPD) can be retrofitted to generate power. This would 

significantly increase the United States’ hydropower capacity 

without the construction of any new dams [26].  

2.3 Diversion hydropower 

Diversion hydropower is a run-of-river (ROR) 

hydropower system that harnesses the electricity generation 

of a river's naturally occurring downward flow (Figure 3). 

Unlike an impoundment facility that flows directly through 

turbines, the ROR systems divert water into a channel or 

penstock to power turbines and generate electricity. The 

water is then returned to the river downstream, and the 

electricity produced is released into the grid for distribution 

[27]. This type of hydropower facility is convenient because it 

does not require a dam or reservoir to store water. Diversion 

hydropower offers minimal environmental impacts in 

comparison to other hydropower facilities by not disrupting 

the natural flow of rivers [28]. Run-of-river systems provide 

a great source of clean, renewable energy and have 

predictable seasonal outputs. This is convenient during the 

hotter seasons, where water levels may periodically deplete 

[29]. ROR systems are ideal only if there is a steadily flowing 

river or channel [30]. 

 
Figure 2. Hydroelectric dam diagram 

 
Figure 3. Run of river  

2.4 Offshore hydropower  

Offshore hydropower is a newly established method of 

harnessing waves and the power of tidal currents to produce 

hydroelectricity [31]. The largest body of water available in 

the world is the ocean. The two main types of offshore 

hydropower are tidal power and wave power [32]. Tidal 

power utilizes the constant and predictable fall and rise of 

tides to generate electricity [33]. Wave power relies on the 

potential energy produced from ocean waves [34]. Tidal 

barrages are structures commonly placed at the entrance of 

an estuary or bay. This allows water to be trapped in a 

reservoir during high tide and run through turbines to 

generate power as the tide recedes during the ebb current 

[35]. Tidal power is also harnessed through tidal stream 

turbines. This form of tidal power technology utilizes 

underwater turbines to harness the energy of tidal currents 

[36].  

 

 



BM. Smith /Future Energy                                                                                                                  May 2025| Volume 04 | Issue 02| Pages 41-49 

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The global tidal energy market is expected to grow at a 

compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.5% from 2024 to 

2030 [37]. Wave power is utilized by two main types of 

technology. The wave energy converters (WEC) are devices 

placed in the ocean near areas of high wave activity. The WEC 

devices often utilize specialized buoys or other devices to 

convert the kinetic energy of the waves into electricity [38]. 

Wave power can also be harnessed through offshore power 

plants. Offshore power plants allow for the utilization of the 

higher potential energy of waves while minimizing the 

environmental impacts that are associated with being near 

the shore [39]. Wave hydropower is still in the early stages of 

development, with many advances yet to be made. The 

International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) estimates that 

the world’s oceans could produce nearly 29,500 terawatt-

hours of electricity annually from wave energy [40]. Since 

2010, the cumulative global deployment for wave energy has 

reached 27 MW. 1.6 MW was deployed in 2023 alone [41]. 

Currently, offshore hydropower is more expensive than 

offshore wind power plants [42]. The U.S. Department of 

Energy’s Water Power Technologies Office (WPTO) is funding 

research and projects to advance the commercial readiness of 

wave energy technologies through testing and system 

validation [43].  By utilizing the predictable wave and tidal 

cycles, we could substantially increase hydropower 

production and the utilization of renewable energy.  

3. Advancements in Hydropower  

The hydropower industry is advancing and growing 

yearly, nearly doubling its market value from $282.6 billion to 

$422.13 billion by 2025 [44]. Global electricity demand is a 

major factor in the growth of the hydropower market. 

Investing in hydropower is important, especially for 

developing countries, because it is a reliable and accessible 

renewable resource [45]. The traditional designs for 

hydropower facilities have not changed significantly since 

they were first introduced nearly two decades ago [46]. Due 

to cost concerns and environmental factors, it is not ideal to 

completely construct new hydropower plants. Therefore, 

upgrading and advancing already established facilities and 

technologies would increase efficiency and increase the 

appeal of hydropower. Issues faced within the hydropower 

industry that could potentially see advancements include 

measures that preserve aquatic life, improvements to turbine 

design, harnessing AI, and upgrades made to technology and 

hydropower plant sites already in place.   

3.1 Aquatic life preservation  

The main disadvantage of the hydropower industry is the 

negative impact that hydropower facilities have on aquatic 

wildlife. 22.3% of all fish that pass through hydropower 

turbines are killed or severely injured [47]. Natel Energy has 

teamed up with Pacific Northwest National Laboratory to 

design and test a new turbine design that allows for the safe 

passage of both small and large fish. The Natel’s Restoration 

Hydro Turbine (RHT) is uniquely designed with thicker 

blades, rounded leading edges, and a forward slant from the 

blade’s hub to tip. The research team tested the turbine’s 

efficiency with the passage of rainbow trout, sturgeon, 

salmonids, alosines, and American eel. These fish ranged in 

size from 8-20 inches in length. More than 99% of fish passed 

through the turbine while still allowing for maximum 

performance output of energy [48]. Advancements are still 

being made to restore aquatic habitats, preserve endangered 

species, and improve dam operations. Statkraft, a leading 

global renewable energy producer in Europe, is working to 

rehabilitate the population of the endangered European eel. 

European eels are heavily affected due to the many 

hydropower plants and other man-made structures that 

disrupt their natural migration patterns to their spawning 

grounds. Statkraft has implemented plans to transport the 

eels upriver past hydropower plants in order to allow them a 

chance to breed and repopulate. This is an uncommon 

practice, but it is a step in conserving wildlife that is 

threatened by the construction of hydropower plants [49].  

3.2 Improved turbine design  

The most commonly used turbine design in hydropower 

plants is the Francis turbine (Figure 4). The Francis turbine is 

used mainly for larger-scale hydropower plants, while the 

Kaplan and Pelton turbines are used for specific head and 

flow conditions ranging from low to high [50].  

  
Figure 4. Francis turbine  

Although these designs are efficient, there are still many 

improvements that can be made. As previously discussed, the 

RHT has been designed to preserve aquatic life that passes 

through the turbines. Hydropower plants have begun 

implementing the Novel turbine. The Novel turbine design 

allows for improved efficiency, reduced costs, and the 

implementation in areas not normally associated with 

hydropower generation, such as urban and offshore areas 

[51]. Novel turbines often differ from traditional turbine 

designs through the materials, geometries, or operation 

principles [52]. A popular example of a novel turbine being 

introduced is the Fin-ring turbine. The Fin-ring turbine 

consists of seven rings and 88 connecting cambered fins that 

optimize hydrodynamic performance [53]. Novel turbines 

provide a multitude of benefits that will help aid in the 

advancements and growth of hydropower. Statkraft has 

broken ground on the Hydroflex Project, which focuses on the 

development of turbine systems that can withstand fast-

paced starts and stops. This focuses on the response time by 

allowing the turbine to run as needed and respond in real 

time to energy demands [54]. Research and implementation 

of turbines that focus on the speed of a turbine have also been 

introduced within the last decade. The Goldisthal PSH plant in 



BM. Smith /Future Energy                                                                                                                  May 2025| Volume 04 | Issue 02| Pages 41-49 

45 

 

Germany was the first plant in Europe to utilize large variable 

speed turbines [55]. Variable speed technology allows for 

power regulation during pumping operations, improved 

efficiency, and optimized control of the power delivered into 

the grid [56]. A large variable-speed hydropower plant can go 

from idleness to maximum capacity in approximately 100 

seconds [57]. 

3.3 Harnessing AI, simulations, and digitalization 

Artificial intelligence (AI) technology has improved the 

hydropower industry’s efficiency and accuracy [58]. AI has 

improved water management, operations, grid integration, 

and allows facilities to accurately predict when maintenance 

on turbines, generators, and other machinery is required [59]. 

The Wuqiangxi hydropower plant in Hunan province, China, 

has implemented AI-based technology to inspect it. The 

Hydropower Smart Remote O&M System utilizes a fleet of 

drones and robots to collect data using sound and image 

recognition tools and infrared thermometers, among other 

devices. This system allows for repairs and maintenance to be 

made as needed and not solely during scheduled inspections 

completed by plant personnel [60]. Simulations allow 

researchers focused on advancing the hydropower industry 

to develop, design, and test potential designs for hydropower 

technology without the cost of fabricating and testing an 

actual prototype [61]. The National Renewable Energy 

Laboratory (NREL) has developed the ARIES platform, which 

creates a controlled, real-world environment that allows 

researchers to emulate and evaluate prototype controls and 

advance hydropower technologies [62]. NREL is also 

developing a platform called the Real-Time Hydropower 

Emulation Platform, which mimics hydropower facilities in 

real time, allowing researchers to test technologies and 

controls and minimize the risks involved [63]. Hydropower 

digitalization has become a turning point in the advancement 

of hydropower technologies and efficiencies. Digitalization is 

the process of incorporating digital technologies into various 

aspects of operations to increase efficiency and lead to 

advancements [64]. Hydropower digitalization has created 

platform solutions to aid in areas such as digital simulation, 

predictive maintenance, water monitoring, and asset 

management [65].  

3.4 Marine and hydrokinetic technology 

Marine energy utilizes the kinetic energy created during 

the movement of water [66]. It focuses on natural occurrences 

such as waves, tides, and ocean currents [67]. This differs 

from traditional hydropower, which relies on facilities such as 

dams and impoundments to generate electricity. The five 

main types of ocean energy technologies are tidal stream, 

ocean waves, river hydrokinetic, ocean thermal, and ocean 

current [68]. Marine and hydrokinetic (MHK) technologies 

were developed to aid in harnessing marine energy [69]. MHK 

technologies include tidal stream generators (Figure 5), 

barrage systems, and instream hydrokinetic devices [70]. 

These systems allow for the generation of clean energy, are a 

reliable energy source, and are considered cost-effective due 

to relying on naturally replenishing energy sources [71]. This 

is a promising and reliable future option for areas that are 

remote or off-grid [72].  Research and development for 

marine and hydrokinetic technology are advancing and 

focused on the improvement of MHK technologies’ efficiency, 

durability, and cost-effectiveness [73].  

 
Figure 5. Diagram of tidal stream power generation 

3.5 Artificial Channeling  

Advancements in artificial channeling focus on 

improving efficiency, cost effectiveness, and the 

environmental concerns caused. Artificial channeling is an 

advancement in the hydropower industry that works closely 

with MHK technology [74]. To harness marine energy, 

barrage systems, instream hydrokinetic devices, and tidal 

stream generators are implemented [75]. A barrage system 

works similarly to a dam by creating a controlled water flow 

by utilizing the difference in water levels that naturally occur 

as the tide levels alternate from low to high. As the water 

levels rise, the barrage gates open, allowing the water to pool 

into a water basin. As the tide recedes, the collected water is 

released through the sluice gates as it flows through a turbine, 

generating electricity [76]. Instream hydrokinetic devices and 

tidal stream generators are both MHK technologies that 

harvest power from the currents [77]. The innovation of novel 

turbine designs, such as fish-friendly turbines, hydrokinetic 

turbines, and vortex turbines, has improved both the 

efficiency and environmental impacts of artificial channeling 

[78]. Fish-friendly turbines allow for fish to safely pass 

through turbines [79]. Vortex turbines and hydrokinetic 

turbines are a potential breakthrough in harnessing power in 

areas with limited water flow or low-speed flows captured in 

artificial channels such as canals [80]. This is ideal for areas 

where traditional hydropower is not suitable (Figure 6).  

3.6 Repairing and advancing outdated hydropower 

plant sites 

While advancing the hydropower industry is of utmost 

importance, preserving and maintaining the hydropower 

plant sites already in use is crucial. The annual operations and 

maintenance (O&M) cost for hydropower plants can range 

from 1.5% to 2.5% of the initial investment. For a major 

hydropower plant, this converts to roughly 15 to 30 million 

dollars [81]. Smaller plants have lower operation and 

maintenance costs. Hydropower plants have a lifespan of 50 

to 100 years, but often exceed that when properly maintained 

[82]. Advancing outdated hydropower plants involves 



BM. Smith /Future Energy                                                                                                                  May 2025| Volume 04 | Issue 02| Pages 41-49 

46 

 

upgrading technologies, improving infrastructure, replacing 

or repairing aging components, and integrating new 

technologies that could potentially optimize operations. The 

modernization of hydropower facilities can have a multitude 

of benefits, including potentially cost savings due to lower 

maintenance requirements, extending plant lifespans, and 

improved energy security.  

 
Figure 6. A barrage hydroelectric power plant 

 

4. Conclusion 

Hydropower is a promising renewable energy source 
that is steadily improving and evolving. The main goal in 
advancing hydropower is to increase efficiency, improve cost 
effectiveness, explore new technologies, and minimize 
environmental impacts. As covered in this paper, prominent 
renewable energy companies such as Natel and Statkraft, 
amongst others, have made headway in advancing the 
hydropower industry and overall promoting the use of 
hydropower. Over the last two decades, global hydropower 
capacity has increased by 70% and is projected to grow by an 
additional 17% between the years 2021 and 2030. With 
hydropower on the rise, the possibilities of novel designs and 
technology in the hydropower industry are on the horizon.  

Ethical issue 
The author is aware of and complies with best practices in 
publication ethics, specifically concerning authorship 
(avoidance of guest authorship), dual submission, 
manipulation of figures, competing interests, and compliance 
with policies on research ethics. The author adheres to 
publication requirements that the submitted work is original 
and has not been published elsewhere in any language. 

Data availability statement 
The manuscript contains all the data. However, more data will 

be available upon request from the corresponding author. 

Conflict of interest 

The author declares no potential conflict of interest. 

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