The PhD project will generate knowledge to address the challenges of maintaining and extending the lifetime of embankment dams while increasing the flexibility of hydropower technology. In doing so, the PhD project will contribute to enabling flexible hydropower to support the energy transition and reach national energy, climate and nature targets.

The main objective of PhD research is to develop knowledge that supports the hydropower industry in the safe design of future dams and management of existing embankment dams, including those subjected to flexible hydropower operation. Emphasis will be placed on the performance of filters protecting moraine (glacial till) cores against internal erosion. The research will combine studies of existing embankment dams in Norway with extensive laboratory testing of core and filter materials, providing a unique opportunity to contribute to the future safety and sustainability of hydropower infrastructure.