Case study 3: The application of systems benefits modelling (PRISM) to a lowland reservoir water resources scheme - Simon Spooner

Transcript

1. The application of systems benefits modelling (PRISM) to a lowland reservoir water resources scheme Dialogue Between Disciplines September 2026 Simon Spooner AtkinsRéalis Fellow for Water Quality and Carbon Honorary Professor, Nottingham University, Ningbo Chair of UK Foundation for Water Research Simon.Spooner@atkinsrealis.com AtkinsRéalis
2. What Outcome are we trying to achieve? Our Vision for the Built Environment enabling people and nature to flourish together for generations https://www.visionforbuiltenvironment.com/ AtkinsRéalis
3. The Working together for Change: Infrastructure Systems Review AtkinsRéalis 16 Case Studies
4. Can we compare different interventions, quantify what each adds, and show how the organisations and people involved fit together? AtkinsRéalis
5. The System: Fens Reservoirs • Above ground 50 MCM • Store winter rainfall • Some effluent recycled • Flows affected by runoff and storage in Fens • Reduce pressure on chalk Aquifers • Support economic development Ox-Cam • Resilience to Climate change • Engineering + Catchment Nature Based / Agri • Already systems approach AtkinsRéalis
6. The Model: PRISM provides the modelling environment in which combinations of interventions can be assembled and tested. AtkinsRéalis
7. The Principles: Interventions systems AtkinsRéalis Outcomes
8. The Principles: • Engineered and Catchment solutions in one model AtkinsRéalis
9. Outcomes for People: Stakeholder Tiers Policy and Funding Government. Treasury, Defra, Energy Department Is the integrated solution worth supporting? Value over life cycle of project, carbon, biodiversity, social value Scheme Design, Delivery and Operation Water Company, drainage authorities Which combination performs best? Land, Property, Community Landowners / farmers, building owners, residents, parish council, business, drainage board What changes for me, and what do I contribute or receive? AtkinsRéalis
10. From physical evidence to stakeholder agreement: A Question for Fens PRISM: What level is groundwater held At? Affects farming value, water quality, water resource, flood risk, biodiversity, resilience Authorities are misaligned, ultimately nobody is responsible PRISM Provides: • Physical model: quantifies how interventions change the system • Stakeholder model: identifies who contributes, benefits or carries risk • Economic model: provides a basis for comparing gains, costs and compensation AtkinsRéalis
11. Matching Costs and Benefits: • Integrated solution Reservoir and wetted catchment • Landowners enter contractual arrangements to supply services • Greater levels of resilience • Higher deployable Output • Lower Cost • Greater engagement Example Illustrative of possible approach, not related to the actual Fens scheme planning process AtkinsRéalis
12. Matching Costs and Benefits: • Resolve the stakeholder tiers • Facilitate interaction and communication • Guide for negotiation, not the Answer Summary: Systems thinking identifies the opportunity. PRISM makes the consequences measurable, the stakeholders visible and an integrated agreement negotiable Example Illustrative of possible approach, not related to the actual Fens scheme planning process AtkinsRéalis
13. Questions / Discussion AtkinsRéalis