Hydro4U, a European Union-funded project that aims to develop and implement a sustainable hydropower education program, recently announced that their partner, the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU), has conducted a small-scale hydropower potential analysis and fish sampling campaign in Central Asia.

The campaign took place in two locations in Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, where BOKU experts were tasked with assessing the potential for small-scale hydropower projects and conducting fish sampling to determine the impact of these projects on the local aquatic ecosystem.

The results of the analysis revealed significant potential for small-scale hydropower projects in both locations, with minimal negative impact on the aquatic ecosystem. The fish sampling campaign also confirmed the presence of native fish species in the area, indicating a healthy aquatic ecosystem.

Dr. Harald Kainz, Project Coordinator of Hydro4U, expressed his satisfaction with the findings, stating that "the results of this campaign provide valuable insights that will aid in the development of sustainable hydropower projects in Central Asia."

The Hydro4U project, which includes partners from universities and organizations in six different countries, aims to address the shortage of skilled professionals in the hydropower sector by providing education and training opportunities in sustainable hydropower practices. The project is funded by the European Union's Erasmus+ program and is set to conclude in 2024.