Fluvial Flood Modelling
Detailed modelling of river flooding with tidal downstream boundaries, capturing the complex interactions between fluvial and coastal flood sources.
Case Study
Helios Renewable Energy Project
Detailed flood modelling for a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project that secured Development Consent for a 475-hectare solar farm in North Yorkshire.
Infrastructure
DCO
Flood Modelling
Site Size
475
hectares
Capacity
190
MW
Location
North Yorkshire
Status
DCO Granted
The Project
Nationally Significant Infrastructure
The Helios Renewable Energy Project is a major solar farm with energy storage located on agricultural land in North Yorkshire. Designed to generate 190 MW of renewable electricity, it qualifies as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) requiring Development Consent Order approval from the Secretary of State.
As Essential Infrastructure, the project needed to demonstrate it could safely manage complex flood risk constraints while meeting stringent planning policy requirements.
Our Approach
Comprehensive flood modelling for DCO
Multiple Design Events
Simulation of multiple design flood events across different return periods, demonstrating the development's resilience under various scenarios.
Climate Change Scenarios
Testing for 2050s and 2070s climate epochs with appropriate allowances, future-proofing the development against changing flood risk.
Sensitivity Analysis
Examination of worst-case interactions between river flows and tidal levels, ensuring robust conclusions under uncertainty.
Collaboration
Partnership approach to delivery
Aegaea collaborated with PFA Consulting Ltd to deliver the site-specific flood modelling package. This partnership combined our hydraulic modelling expertise with deep understanding of the DCO process and infrastructure project requirements.
Together, we developed a proportionate mitigation scheme tailored to the solar farm's layout, ensuring flood risk was managed without compromising the project's viability.
- Joint technical delivery with PFA Consulting
- Integrated flood risk and planning strategy
- Proportionate mitigation design
- DCO examination support
The Outcome
The Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero granted Development Consent, enabling the project to proceed. The technical modelling successfully demonstrated the development could safely manage complex surface water and drainage constraints.
Project Scale
From single plots to national infrastructure
This project demonstrates Aegaea's capability to deliver on the largest and most complex developments. We bring the same rigour and expertise whether the project is a residential extension or a major infrastructure scheme.
DCO Experience
We understand the examination process and evidence requirements for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects.
Scalable Modelling
Our modelling capability scales from site-specific analysis to catchment-wide studies.
Renewable Energy Expertise
We have delivered flood risk solutions for solar, wind, and energy storage projects across the UK.
Regulatory Engagement
We build relationships with EA, planning inspectors, and other stakeholders to support smooth approvals.