Discover UNIPadova–TES Lab: advancing hydropower and energy storage research -

TES Lab at the University of Padova is one of only five fully equipped research centres in Europe dedicated to experimental research on hydraulic machinery. Through RISEnergy, researchers based in Europe can apply for free access to the facility to test and validate technologies for hydropower and energy storage applications.

Developing more efficient hydropower technologies requires more than simulations and theoretical models. Researchers need access to specialised facilities where they can test turbines, pumps and energy storage solutions under controlled conditions before moving towards real-world implementation. Finding this type of infrastructure, together with the technical expertise needed to run complex experimental campaigns, is not always straightforward.

UNIPadova–TES Lab helps address this challenge by providing a unique environment for testing hydraulic machinery and hybrid energy storage systems, supported by experienced researchers and state-of-the-art facilities.

What is UNIPadova–TES Lab?

Operated by the Department of Industrial Engineering (DII) at the University of Padova, TES Lab is one of Europe’s leading facilities for experimental research on hydraulic machines. It is equipped with Francis, Kaplan and Pelton turbine test rigs, together with a pump test rig, allowing researchers to study the design, performance and operation of hydraulic machines.

The laboratory also supports research on hybrid energy storage systems, combining hydropower with other storage technologies. Researchers can investigate transient behaviour, optimise operating strategies and validate new concepts before they are implemented at a larger scale.

Throughout the experimental campaign, the DII team provides technical support, assists with setting up the research infrastructure and offers training to ensure researchers can make the most of the available facilities

What researchers typically walk away with

Researchers accessing TES Lab through RISEnergy typically leave with:

Validated hydraulic component designs and operating strategies
Experimental data on turbines, pumps and pumped-hydropower systems
Insights into hybrid energy storage solutions and transient behaviour
Technical guidance from experienced researchers throughout the testing campaign
Increased confidence to further develop and optimise their technologies

How access works through RISEnergy

Access to TES Lab is provided through the Transnational Access (TA) programme of RISEnergy, which enables researchers to use world-class research infrastructures located outside their home country. The programme is open to both academic and industry researchers, at different career stages, whose main affiliation is in a country other than the one hosting the infrastructure.

Researchers apply with a project proposal and, if selected, benefit from:

Free access to the infrastructure and its services
Scientific and technical support from the hosting facility

Prepare and submit your proposal through the next RISEnergy Transnational Access call, opening in September 2026.

Explore more!

To help you assess whether the TES Lab is a fit for your research, explore additional materials:

RISEnergy also offers access to a wide range of research infrastructures supporting work in ocean energy, biofuels, concentrated solar power (CSP), energy storage, hydrogen, ICT, integrated grids, materials, photovoltaics and more. Explore the full RISEnergy research infrastructure catalogue: