DHI unveils MIKE 2026 with powerful new water modelling software features

DHI has released MIKE 2026, the latest version of its MIKE Powered by DHI software suite. The update introduces new features and enhancements across all products, enabling more efficient, accurate and flexible workflows. MIKE 2026 is available at no additional cost to clients with an active Service and Maintenance Agreement (SMA) or subscription.

What's new in MIKE 2026

• FEFLOW 11 streamlines model creation and simulation with the Structural Model Editor for mesh-ready 3D geological models and the Open Loop System Editor for flexible geothermal system design. New pinching methods, an interactive Pinch-Delete tool and the Split Layer tool improve handling of complex layers and vertical resolution. With performance gains of up to 50%, these enhancements deliver more accurate and efficient workflows.
• MIKE 21 and MIKE 3 deliver faster, more flexible modelling with 1D and 2DV transect wave setups for high-resolution cross-shore simulations. Wave Model FM calculations are accelerated for large projects and enhanced flocculation modelling improves sediment transport and deposition predictions. The MIKE ECO Lab Experimenter lets users test and refine MIKE ECO Lab templates in a simple box model without running full hydrodynamic simulations. Extended Data Extraction FM now offers flexible line and vertical series outputs, and tidal prediction tools are faster and more accurate with updated harmonic analysis and NetCDF support.
• MIKE+ enhances hydraulic and flood modelling with more realistic system behaviour and streamlined workflows. Users can simulate pressure relief valves for improved surge protection and model displaceable manhole covers to better represent flood dynamics. They can also generate high-resolution flood rasters directly in the platform and apply rainfall and evaporation to lakes and reservoirs for better water-balance accuracy without external tools.

Additional product updates

• MIKE SHE adds a new Soil-Vegetation-Atmosphere Transfer (SVAT) module for advanced evapotranspiration calculations that account for energy balance. Water movement and water quality simulations can now run in parallel for more realistic agricultural assessments, including crop growth and fertiliser impacts. A new Saturated Zone Dryness alert flags partial layer drying to help maintain model stability and reliable groundwater–surface water interactions.
• MIKE HYDRO Basin features an enhanced LOAD Calculator for easier separation of surface runoff and groundwater as well as faster, GIS-based load assessments. The Control Rules module now supports controllable reservoir outlets, allowing advanced simulation of operations that balance flood control, water supply and environmental objectives.
• MIKE OPERATIONS now supports web API integration for cloud-native deployments and API-triggered model runs, enabling automated, cost-efficient workflows.  A new Python package streamlines automation and integration with Python workflows.
• WEST introduces a Mass Balance Plot tool for fast, intuitive tracking of process variables. The Wastewater Plant Designer is simplified with four options for creating MLE and A2O plants, enabling quick steady-state design with minimal input. Full Spanish language support improves usability and accessibility for Spanish-speaking users.
• MIKE WaterNet Advisor adds a Leak Locator simulation that detects zones of increased Minimum Night Flow and identifies likely leaks. The Animation tool offers Skip Playback for faster review, and a new ‘abandoned’ pipe status keeps inactive pipelines visible on the map while excluding them from simulations.

Availability and more information
MIKE 2026 is now available for download, with key features outlined in the release highlights. DHI will also host a series of webinars providing in-depth insight into the new features:   
                                                                     

• 4 March | MIKE SHE: 2026 release webinar
• 7 April | MIKE+ and MIKE WaterNet Advisor: 2026 release webinar
• 14 April | MIKE+ Rivers: 2026 release webinar
• Late April | MIKE 21/3: 2026 release webinar (to be scheduled soon)

For assistance or to reactivate an expired SMA, please contact your local office.