Hydropower dataset for creating operational constraints in aggregated energy system models covering European bidding zones

The dataset was developed to address potential over- and underestimation of hydropower flexibility in highly aggregated, large-scale energy system models. Researchers and modellers can utilise the created generation and ramping constraints to increase the accuracy of their models in regard to hydropower. The raw data was taken from ENTSO-E's transparency platform: historical generation data aggregated by hydropower type and bidding zone for 2020-2024. Included types of hydropower are "pumped hydro storage plant, "run-of-river hydropower with pondage”, and "reservoir hydropower". Subset 1 (HydropowerConstraints.xlsx) provides data series for creating maximum and minimum generation constraints, as well as for defining maximum ramping rates. The set includes absolute values directly based on the transparency platform data, but also relative values (% of installed capacity) that allow the application of the proposed constraints to any other data source. Subset 2 (PondageVolume.xlsx) consists of estimated storage volumes for run-of-river hydropower plants, aggregated by bidding zone. The volumes are given in hours of full capacity output, enabling them to be utilised independently from the chosen data source. The utilisation of the dataset has been demonstrated in a case study developed for the North European Energy System Model (available via GitHub). The related scientific publication by Kiehle et al. is currently under review, and a preprint will be made available as soon as possible. Furthermore, the data itself and the creation of the dataset have been described in detail in a companion Data in Brief submission. Links to the published manuscripts will be added later.