Energy

The challenge

The Environment Agency estimates that in England and Wales hydropower schemes of all sizes could increase from 350 at present to 1200 by 2020, while an analysis of Scotland’s untapped hydropower potential suggests over 2,000 potential schemes in the 100-500kW range.

However, building a business case for small-scale hydropower schemes requires detailed assessment of likely river flow rates throughout the year, since this determines the optimum size and overall economic viability of a proposal.

The challenge

The water industry is the fourth most energy-intensive sector in the UK economy. Reducing the industry's energy costs, which have risen 159% since 2004, and cutting its carbon emissions are high priorities, but ensuring a continuous supply of water remains the primary objective. Can water companies generate hydropower without affecting water pressure within distribution networks and compromising supply to consumers?

The challenge

Water temperature and dissolved oxygen (DO) are both fundamentally important to the biological health of rivers, and therefore to the delivery of the Water Framework Directive objectives to enhance and maintain the quality of European waters. Many species are tolerant only of specific water temperature ranges. Variations in daily and seasonal water temperatures are important factors in determining the distribution of aquatic organisms.

The challenge

Exploitation of shale gas in the UK could have economic benefits, but before granting a permit the relevant regulatory authorities (e.g. the Environment Agency, Natural Resources Wales etc) needs to be satisfied that the activity will not cause pollution of groundwater.

Understanding the spatial relationships between shale gas rocks and overlying groundwater systems (aquifers) is essential if shale gas is to be developed in a safe and sustainable manner.

The challenge

The extensive abandoned mine workings beneath the City of Glasgow contain large quantities of heat stored in mine-water and rocks. The City of Glasgow and Scottish Power wish to establish whether the heat in these old mine workings can be used for residential and business space heating. 

The challenge

Wastewater treatment at sewage works uses a lot of energy – in total, around 2% of all UK electricity demand. However, the latent energy stored in Northumbrian Water’s works is more than four times the amount required for treatment.

The total energy stored in UK wastewater is equivalent to 5 million oil barrels annually. Capturing that energy is one of the most important challenges for the industry. Innovative energy-neutral technologies must be able to fit into existing infrastructure and be economically competitive for uptake and investment.