Researching reservoir-based renewable energy solutions

UKCEH scientists bring expertise in water quality, ecosystem understanding, the development and implementation of monitoring techniques, and data analysis to assess the potential impacts and unintended consequences of renewable energy solutions for water quantity and quality, and biodiversity.

CAPABILITY:

Researching reservoir-based renewable energy solutions

Partnerships between the research community and water and energy companies have generated innovative uses of reservoirs to generate renewable energy. These initiatives leverage the large surface areas provided by reservoirs to harness solar or geothermal energy, contributing to decarbonisation while sparing land for other uses.

As part of these projects, UKCEH scientists bring expertise in water quality, ecosystem understanding, the development and implementation of monitoring techniques, and data analysis to assess the potential impacts and unintended consequences of these renewable energy solutions for water quantity and quality, and biodiversity.

CASE STUDY:

Impact of floatovoltaics on reservoir water

In recent years, some UK water companies have been installing floating solar panels, also called ‘floatovoltaics’, on selected reservoirs. UKCEH scientists, in partnership with researchers from Lancaster University, are working with the water industry to assess the impact of such installations on reservoir water.

Our scientists have designed and implemented in situ monitoring strategies, using sensors, manual sampling, and cutting-edge laboratory analysis to gather the data necessary to understand how reservoir physical, chemical, and biological conditions change with the installation of floating solar panels.

Research outcomes will provide essential evidence to enable water and energy companies to assess the impact on water bodies and make informed decisions. By avoiding detrimental water quality impacts and delivering water quality benefits, these findings can contribute to tackling climate change mitigation and achieving net zero targets.

CASE STUDY:

Informing the planning and installation of water source heat pumps

While heat pumps are acknowledged as an efficient renewable energy solution, the potential offered by water source heat pumps (WSHP), designed to use heat stored in standing waters like lakes and reservoirs, is under appreciated in the UK. Other countries like Switzerland, Norway and Canada, which have embraced this technology, have gathered more data to support decision making.

Building on these countries’ approaches, UKCEH scientists have enhanced the data available in the UK Lakes database with lake temperature data provided by SEPA and the Environment Agency, and gridded population data from the Environmental Information Data Centre. This aggregated UK data can be used to estimate the amount of heat generated in reservoirs and predict potential ecological impacts from alterations in water temperature.

Stakeholders can use our data model to inform decisions about the planning of water source heat pumps in the UK. Our scientists can also monitor relevant data when considering the installation of a WSHP system into a reservoir to ensure ecological impacts remain low.

DATA:

The UK Lakes database

The UK Lakes database is a comprehensive repository containing data for over 40,000 lakes and ponds across the UK. It includes information on lake size, volume, depth, water chemistry, typology, geology, habitats, land cover and hydrological catchments, amongst other characteristics.

Initially compiled in 2004, the database has continued to accumulate data over the years, evolving into the primary resource for lake-related information in the UK. The database is accompanied by spatial data of lake outlines (originally sourced from OS PANORAMA) and catchments for all lakes over 1 hectare in size (delineated from a 50m flow grid).

Data have been compiled from a number of different sources, ranging from individuals to universities and research institutions, reflecting a collaborative effort to compile and maintain a comprehensive dataset of UK lakes and ponds.

Access the database >