Summary:
As part of the Integrated River Management (IRM) programme, a policy decision is currently being prepared on the discharge and storage capacity of the Rhine branches and Meuse, with a detailed design of the river system to guide regional developments and ongoing projects. The aim of IRM is to ensure that the rivers function well in a sustainable manner, so that the system can fulfil the associated geo-ecosystem services. These services are further specified by IRM as the river functions (1) safe flood discharge, (2) freshwater availability and drinking water supply, (3) nature and ecological water quality, (4) navigability, and (5) regional (economic) development and spatial quality.
This research project, designed through a sector-wide consortium, is intended to support policy choices and to develop long-term, integrated system solutions where previously a sectoral perspective was often taken. The research focuses on the development and elaboration of a long-term line of reasoning, looking ahead to 2100 with a view to 2200, in particular at possible solution strategies that contribute to the realisation of sufficient discharge and storage capacity for the Rhine branches and Meuse. The research examines how the various solution strategies can be used to maximise the fulfillment of the aforementioned river functions. The focus of the research is primarily on ensuring safe flood discharge, nature and water quality, as these are potentially the most space-intensive, but also offer the most opportunities for co-location.
The research examines the efficiency, scope of application and effectiveness of various building blocks that can contribute to the realisation of sufficient drainage and storage capacity in the future. Among other things, it will investigate how choices for storage (space for the river) or drainage (dyke raising) will affect the target range of the five river functions in the long term. It will also examine the ability of solution strategies to cope with uncertainties. This concerns in particular the extent to which the scope for solutions remains available for the next generation, but also the added value to the living and business climate of the river area. To this end, research is being conducted into an assessment framework for (system ) measures (including the trade-off between dyke raising and river widening), which, in addition to the usual technical and economic criteria, also takes into account criteria specifically related to long-term uncertainty, including the robustness (manageability and maintainability) of the river (eco)system and adaptability to long-term developments.
Goal:
The research will result in an overview of the target range, side effects and benefits of various solution strategies and the space required within the dykes. The options specify the type of measure intended for each (geographical) location in the river system, including an indication of the size and target range of the measure. Based on this, the required space within the dykes can be determined. The options have been assessed in terms of the extent to which they meet the target range for the five river functions and the degree of adaptability.
In addition, the study provides concrete long-term design options aimed at ensuring the sustainable functioning of the rivers. As part of the study, these design options are directly assessed using the assessment framework, which provides insight into the opportunities, limitations and technically realistic implementation of various solution approaches. The results therefore also provide insight into the knowledge development and innovation needs for integrated system solutions.
Timeline:
October 1, 2024 - March 31, 2026
Results:
The final report and the thematic reports (nature, hydraulics & morphology) will be available at the end of 2025 / beginning of 2026
Partners: Deltares, Stichting Ecoshape, Wageningen University & Research, Haskoning, Boskalis.
The partners of this TKI project participate in a wider consortium 'Ruimte & Afvoercapaciteit voor de Rivier' (see the logos below)
This project is co-financed by the PPP innovation programme 'Deltatechnologie' subsidy from the Netherlands Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy.
