Abstract
Centre for Environmental Design of Renewable Energy (CEDREN) is a research centre focusing on
hydropower production and environmental impacts of hydropower. The main objective of CEDREN is to develop and
communicate design solutions for renewable energy production that address environmental and societal challenges at
local, regional, national and global levels. Environmental design means that planning, building and operation have to
include technical, economic, environmental and socio‑political aspects throughout the whole life‑span of the project.
Methods and tools to ensure environmental design are developed in CEDREN and applied to case studies in Norway and
internationally. These methods and tools focus on finding physical and biological bottlenecks for affected species and
ecosystems by mapping, modelling and analysis of both physical conditions and ecological status. CEDREN proposes
different measures, tools and methods to improve the environmental conditions as well as how to maintain or increase
the power production. In addition, a strong focus must be made on political governance to ensure more representative
participation of relevant stakeholders in the process of finding the best technical, economic and political solutions for
power production, the environment and the society.
Key research findings used to develop relationships between physical factors like flow, flow fluctuations, water temperature,
water velocity, water depth and water‑covered area and biological response will be shown. Examples of improved
methods for better planning procedures with stakeholder engagement will be proposed. Examples of methods and tools
for environmental design of hydropower will be given for several regulated rivers in Norway and abroad.
hydropower production and environmental impacts of hydropower. The main objective of CEDREN is to develop and
communicate design solutions for renewable energy production that address environmental and societal challenges at
local, regional, national and global levels. Environmental design means that planning, building and operation have to
include technical, economic, environmental and socio‑political aspects throughout the whole life‑span of the project.
Methods and tools to ensure environmental design are developed in CEDREN and applied to case studies in Norway and
internationally. These methods and tools focus on finding physical and biological bottlenecks for affected species and
ecosystems by mapping, modelling and analysis of both physical conditions and ecological status. CEDREN proposes
different measures, tools and methods to improve the environmental conditions as well as how to maintain or increase
the power production. In addition, a strong focus must be made on political governance to ensure more representative
participation of relevant stakeholders in the process of finding the best technical, economic and political solutions for
power production, the environment and the society.
Key research findings used to develop relationships between physical factors like flow, flow fluctuations, water temperature,
water velocity, water depth and water‑covered area and biological response will be shown. Examples of improved
methods for better planning procedures with stakeholder engagement will be proposed. Examples of methods and tools
for environmental design of hydropower will be given for several regulated rivers in Norway and abroad.