Hydro Nation: annual report 2022

Looking ahead – 2023 and beyond

Hydro Nation Scholars

The Hydro Nation Scholars Programme hits an important milestone with its 10 years anniversary, during which it has seen a wealth of accomplishments and successes from its 40 scholars, of which 19 have joined the Alumni Association to date. This year also saw a fantastic response to the Call for Proposals 2023, drawing a total of 46 proposals across six key topics of water research, the highest number of applications received for a call so far. These achievements highlight the progressive growth and development of the programme, its increasing profile, its impact in deepening research to support the needs of the water sector, and its role in inspiring, educating, and mentoring future world water leaders.

Looking ahead, with continued support from the Scottish Government and other stakeholders, CREW will continue to develop different levels of the Hydro Nation Scholars Programme, further building its scale and reputation, expanding its international reach, and continuing to support needs-based research conducted by talented scholars from across the globe. Through strategic scanning approaches, the programme will continue to identify priority areas for Scotland's waters and for international partners, selecting and funding projects that are novel and relevant to the core Hydro Nation strategy, promote innovative thinking in technologies and approach, and have the potential for wider application. The programme will also endeavour to enhance its impact and develop further learning and training opportunities for continuing the professional development journey of its scholars, through networking sessions, summer school and residential programmes, placements, and organisation of and participation in various conferences and events, including World Water Day 2023.

Surface water management

For surface water management Scottish Water is developing an approach to transforming at three scales:

• Project - all new sewer flooding, unsatisfactory intermittent discharges (UIDs) & growth projects will now include development of sustainable options to manage surface water
• Neighbourhood - aim to develop a strategy and a programme of opportunities to be delivered in partnership with Local Authorities, SEPA and NatureScot
• City level - Working with Aberdeen City Council and SEPA to trial an approach to integrated surface water and sustainable infrastructure planning

ETP Hydro Nation Energy Innovation Programme

2023 sees the launch of a new innovation support service for the water sector, building on the earlier successes of the Hydro Nation Water Innovation Service. Delivered by our partners at the University of Strathclyde's Energy Technology Partnership (ETP), a new water and energy theme is being established that will link businesses with academic experts to develop innovative collaborative projects that exploit the links between water and energy to drive down emissions. Broader innovation and business development support will continue to be available to eligible Scottish SME companies via Scottish Enterprise. Further details are available on the ETP website.

Malawi-Scotland Regulatory Partnership (MSRP)

As the MSRP looks forward into 2023 and beyond, it will continue to offer support to Malawi as it aims to reach key goals, such as the commitments of Vision 2063^[2] and the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. Principally, the MSRP's approach will continue to support and evolve to the needs of the regulators in Malawi, with a greater focus on capacity building through practical regulatory training/support, enhancing the evidence and data used by the regulators, and investing in Malawian talent, driving home-grown environmental professionals for the future.