hydro and wetlands: produce more energy and provide a better environment

Hydro and Wetlands: Produce more energy and provide a better environment

Mike DonaghySenior Development ManagerMNV Consulting Ltd, Callander, Scotland, UK

Current challenges facing hydropower development in EuropeESHA/EWP Brussels 1&2 October 2009

Hydro and Wetlands

• Restoring wetlands can improve the flow regime for hydro production

• There are additional and multiple benefits

• It provides a framework for dealing with possible issues

• There may be grants available

Hydro and Wetlands

Hydro and Wetlands

Hydro and Wetlands

Hydro and Wetlands

Hydro and Wetlands

Hydro and Wetlands

Hydro and Wetlands

Hydro and Wetlands

Hydro and Wetlands

Restored Catchment Flows

Hydro and Wetlands

Restoration measures can modify the hydrograph by lowering the peak flow and prolonging the duration of an event.

They can also help maintain basal flows during low rainfall periods.

The result is more consistent generation of energy plus management of sediments, grasses and other debris.

Hydro and Wetlands

Benefits to our environment can include:• Increase in wetland plants and animals• Recharging of groundwater sources• Increase in amenity• Probable increase in carbon storage• Potential flood management contribution• Management of erosion and sediments

Hydro and Wetlands

Examples of possible difficulties:• Multiple landowners, may be disinterested• Time and cost implications• Requires excellent project management

Hydro and Wetlands

If you can show that the project will raise Water Framework Directive status or provide community benefit through increased amenity or lowering of flood risk

Then grants are possibly available from local authorities and government agencies.

Hydro and Wetlands

So, if you are wanting to develop a site for hydro or increase the efficiency of an existing scheme, then:

Scope out the potential for restoration of natural features and characteristics upstream.

This can bring you and other members of society benefits.

It can also benefit our environment.

Hydro and Wetlands

For further details contact:Mike DonaghyMNV Consulting LtdStirling Road, CallanderFK17 8LE, Scotland, UK

+44 7917 646824 or +44 1887 331080http://mnvconsulting.eu/mike.donaghy@MNVconsulting.eu