Action urged on climate change impacts on hydropower and wildlife

Scotland needs to do more to maximize the output of its hydropower facilities and prevent negative impacts on wildlife in the face of the challenges posed by climate change, according to a new report.

The report, commissioned by the Scottish Center for Water Research (CREW) and published on 22 January, is based on research from the University of Glasgow and CBEC EcoEngineering.

They have worked closely with partners at hydropower companies, Scottish Canals, SEPA and NatureScot to produce this report, which has put together a set of recommendations to help tackle the issue of sediment buildup at dams and weirs across the country. Ta.

The storage of running water using dams and weirs is an important part of hydropower operations and water supply. In recent years, hundreds of small hydroelectric reservoir projects have been installed on waterways across Scotland, each helping to generate enough electricity to power up to 1,000 homes.

These ‘run-of-river’ hydropower structures produce large amounts of electricity and contribute to Scotland’s goal of reaching net zero by 2045, while also removing river waste such as silt, sand, gravel and cobbles from upstream. It can also interfere with the natural flow of sediment. Downstream.

As sediment builds up, it reduces the reservoir’s ability to produce the maximum amount of power and may require costly measures to remove. Interfering with sediment flow can also negatively impact downstream wildlife, altering the composition of riverbeds that provide habitat and nutrition for fish, birds, and insects.

As climate change intensifies, increased rainfall is expected to increase the amount of sediment flowing from land into waterways across Scotland. Experts predict that sediment levels in Scotland’s rivers could increase by more than 25% of current levels in the coming years, with larger sediment particles being kicked up by more active river currents. .

Based on a detailed cost-benefit analysis, this report will help hydropower producers and watershed managers improve existing reservoirs’ resistance to sediment accumulation and reduce impacts on river biodiversity. It offers some possible recommendations.

Planting trees along rivers, restoring peatlands, and planting trees widely across river basins will reduce the amount of sediment flowing into rivers by trapping them before they reach the waterways. may help reduce the amount of This reduces the need for costly operations to dig out sediment from behind dams, which can cost workers tens of thousands of pounds each time.

Planting trees and restoring peatlands along rivers and wider areas of catchments will provide further benefits to the environment by capturing and storing carbon, contributing to Scotland’s net zero targets.

An online survey of nearly 1,000 people showed that Scottish households were willing to pay, on average, up to £52 a year for improved river management, when considered across Scotland’s 2.55 million households. , it can be seen that public support is large.

Drawing on knowledge exchange activities with the hydropower community and research visits to three hydropower plants, the project team also developed a series of initiatives to raise awareness of the commercial and environmental risks of sediment movement. I did.

The team created videos and infographics that communicate the importance of sediment continuity to maintain river health, the potential impact of climate change on sediment management, and the importance of best practice sediment management. did.

The researchers also highlight the need to strengthen communication and cooperation between regulators, operators, consultants and researchers. The project recommends the creation of a Scottish hydropower expert community to share knowledge and improve commercial resilience in the face of climate change.

Professor Richard Williams from the School of Geography and Earth Sciences at the University of Glasgow led the research for the report.

He said: “This research highlights the complex balance that needs to be maintained between meeting Scotland’s renewable energy needs and ensuring the environment is adequately protected. are essential to achieving this, but care must be taken to minimize impacts on river health.” and ecosystem.

“This project also demonstrated a desire for further discussion and knowledge exchange activities on best practice activities within the hydropower community. If this can be achieved, river health will likely be maintained or improved and this industry and river The catchment area will be further developed” and will be resilient in the face of expected climate change.

“The work we have done with our partners will provide the hydropower community with valuable new insights so they can take appropriate action to ensure reservoirs are working as efficiently as possible for the benefit of everyone. I hope so.”

Dr Chris Bromley, Senior Hydromorphologist at the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), said: ‘SEPA recognizes the importance of Scotland’s water environment and the factors that contribute to healthy river habitats. Sediment transport in rivers “Continuity is one of the elements.” Hydropower operations can be disrupted and can have negative environmental and commercial impacts.

“University of Glasgow and CBEC Eco Engineering have produced excellent guidance material to help operators understand the environmental importance of sediment and raise awareness of the importance of correctly managing sediment in our climate. I am glad that we have taken proactive steps to make this happen.” – A Changing World. ”

Grace Gubbins, NatureScot’s Head of Sustainable Development, said: “While we welcome green energy sources such as hydropower, it is essential that we consider their impact on nature. That’s why NatureScot “Scott is eager to participate in these partnership efforts to reduce our negative impact on the environment.” wild animals.

“Sediments are important habitat for many species, some of which not only help break down and purify water, but also provide habitat for fish. Recommendations from this study Matters will help us work together to protect species, river habitats, fish, birds and insects in the face of the climate emergency. ”

Dr Olivia Lassiere, Scottish Canals’ environmental manager, said: “As Scotland’s main water provider through canals and reservoirs, we are already feeling the effects of climate change. As we manage our water infrastructure and seek to adapt to the expected impacts of climate change, Research like this is vitally important as it protects Scotland’s rich wildlife and environment.

“We are delighted to be part of this project led by the University of Glasgow and CBEC Eco Engineering and look forward to continuing to engage with the water infrastructure management community.”