Hydro and Wetlands: Produce more energy and provide a better environment
Mike Donaghy Senior Development Manager MNV Consulting Ltd, Callander, Scotland, UK Current challenges facing hydropower development in Europe ESHA/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 Donaghy MNV Consulting Ltd Stirling Road, Callander FK17 8LE, Scotland, UK
+44 7917 646824 or +44 1887 331080 http://mnvconsulting.eu/ mike.donaghy@MNVconsulting.eu