Earth Observation based Snow Water Equivalent (SWE) data, together with machine learning techniques and hydrological forecasting modelling provided useful leadtime in predicting spring snowmelt driven reservoir inflow volume and peak timing for hydropower production optimization in Northern Finland.

• Inland water
• Topography
• Alternative energy
• Water run-off
• Water quality
• Surface soil moisture
• Waterbody
• Hydrological network and catchment areas (water catchment)

Kemijoki Oy is the most important producer of hydropower and regulating power in Finland. We own 20 hydropower plants, 16 of which are located at the Kemijoki watercourse area, two at River Lieksanjoki and two at River Kymijoki. In addition, we regulate the reservoirs in Lokka and Porttipahta as well as Lake Kemijärvi and Lake Olkkajärvi. Our most important goal is to produce hydropower for our stakeholders reliably and cost-effectively. We operate as an expert and commissioner organization of hydropower production and are developers of hydropower expertise. We acquire most of our operations from service providers. Thanks to our agile, partnership-based operating model, we can produce hydroelectricity cost-efficiently and adapt to changing conditions.

The Finnish Meteorological Institute (FMI) provides detailed information to support in more efficient hydropower operations through reduction of hydrological model uncertainties arising from incomplete information on snowpack states over large areas through increasing observation resolution and through data ingestion to the FMI HOPS model with both probability based and non-probabilistic frameworks. This service aims in reduction of spring snowmelt driven flood risks through more reliable hydrological nowcasts and forecasts. It is increasing forecast end-users' situational awareness and understanding of uncertainties and consequently providing a basis for optimization of hydropower operations. The outcome aims to bridge the gap between forecast providers and forecast end users by seeking solutions to remove barriers for information dissemination, application, and utilization.

The data presented in the webservice is used for hydropower production optimization and assessment of modelling and monitoring uncertainties and as such has been seen as useful auxiliary information. Since FMI is not at this stage legally able to provide direct guidance on operational activities, the pilot is considered as an auxiliary service for new technologies and methods for forecast production and for combining relevant data from multiple sources into a single web service. Combining and displaying data from different sources, is seen as very significant in assessing forecasting uncertainties. Also, new promising methods for streamflow forecasting such as the operational usage of machine learning techniques has been added to the service during 2021.

• Decreasing the vulnerability of energy companies to variations in meteorological and hydrological conditions through improved seasonal forecast products is the main expected impact of the project.

• End-user tailored products on hydrological conditions will be disseminated to the key end user; Kemijoki Oy.

Learn more about the service: https://hops.fmi.fi/

Learn more about e-shape: www.e-shape.eu

A question? Contact the Helpdesk: https://helpdesk.e-shape.eu