Wind on the water
The UK government plans to ‘Build Back Greener’ and make the UK the world leader in clean wind energy. Any impacts of wind farms on the water environment must be minimised.
How wind farms can affect the water environment
The …
Ask first!
All rivers in the UK evolve continuously and almost all show signs of construction work. It is vital that activities are regulated to safeguard against ecological deterioration and flooding.
This applies to all activities, from hydroelectric power schemes in the …
Wales, wind and water
Wales has huge potential for wind power. The impact of wind farm construction and operation on water supplies must be well understood and managed.
In 2017, the Welsh government announced its intention to generate 70% of its energy consumption with …
A reservoir of possibilities
Dam failure can mean catastrophe; for people, property and far more.
While there has been no loss of life from dam breaches since 1925 in the UK, fatalities still occur overseas.
A risk-based approach to dam breach assessment puts public …
Here comes the sun
The flood risk and drainage assessment requirements for solar farms are uncertain. As they are often greater than one hectare, an assessment of flood risk is usually required throughout the UK and Ireland.
Flood risk must be considered from all …
Clear as a mountain stream
Development anywhere affects local water movement. In many upland areas, peat adds to the challenge. The protection of both water quality and peat habitat needs careful planning.
Any construction work will disturb the ground. Areas rich in peat, once disturbed, …
Going with the flow. 2 MW of hydropower on the River Grudie.
The River Grudie hydroelectric scheme is under construction. The success of this remote and sensitively located development has demanded the expertise of the entire WHS team over seven years.
Seeing it through from the start
In 2009, Innogy commissioned WHS …
Solving development challenges in Scotland
Issued: April 2016
Development invariably affects the local movement of water, particularly in rural, upland and river locations. Measures to reduce the impact of development in these challenging environments, as elsewhere, must be well-founded, practical and cost effective.
WHS is …
Mynydd y Gwair wind farm coming soon
Construction of the Mynydd y Gwair onshore wind farm in South Wales started in January 2017.
This 16-turbine, 33.6 MW, project will create an average of up to 104 equivalent full-time jobs in each year of construction. It is expected …