A groundbreaking research project funded by the EU Regional Development Fund (ERDF) is set to transform the landscape of energy and water management in the Upper Harz Mountains of Northern Germany. This initiative aims to integrate energy infrastructure with sustainable ecosystem services, addressing critical issues such as flood protection, low water elevation, and drinking water production. The project comes in response to recent severe flooding and unprecedented low water periods in the region, which have strained local water supplies.
Roland Menges, the lead author of the study from the University of Technology Clausthal, emphasizes the importance of a multifaceted approach. “Our goal is to develop energy projects that not only ensure a stable energy supply but also enhance the ecological integrity of the region,” Menges stated. The research highlights how existing dams and former mining infrastructures can be repurposed for pumped storage capacities. These capacities could stabilize the electricity grid and even produce green hydrogen, providing a sustainable energy source for nearby industrial regions.
The project focuses on several target systems: managing water quantity for flood protection and drought resilience, ensuring reliable drinking water production, and facilitating energy storage and generation. By analyzing the geological conditions of the low mountain range, researchers are generating alternatives for infrastructure development that take into account construction costs and the consumption of natural resources, including impacts on local flora and fauna.
One of the notable features of this research is its decision-making framework, which employs the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). This method allows for a transparent weighting of various project benefits, making it easier to understand how different alternatives rank under changing priorities. Menges notes, “Using AHP, we can illustrate how shifting the weightings impacts the evaluation of alternatives, fostering a more informed and participatory decision-making process.”
The implications of this research extend beyond the immediate geographical area. By demonstrating a successful model of integrated resource management, it could pave the way for similar projects across Europe and beyond, particularly in regions facing water scarcity or energy supply challenges. The findings could also stimulate investment in infrastructure that not only meets energy demands but does so in an environmentally responsible manner.
This innovative approach to coupled ecosystem services and energy management is detailed in the article published in the “Journal of Sustainable Development of Energy, Water and Environment Systems.” As industries increasingly seek sustainable practices, the insights gained from this project could play a crucial role in shaping future developments in the water, sanitation, and drainage sectors, ultimately leading to more resilient and adaptive communities. For more information on this research, visit University of Technology Clausthal.
