<p>Making a positive impact on the planet motivates us to take on and solve global water challenges. Through our projects, we support the UN Sustainable Development Goals together with clients and partners from all over the world. From developing offshore wind farms, to safeguarding cities from flooding, protecting shorelines from erosion and enriching biodiversity in water basins. </p>

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Safe passage through an ebb shoal in Iceland’s harsh wave climate

Improving navigational safety with targeted channel optimisation and structural feasibility studies
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Höfn, on Iceland’s southeast coast, is one of the vital hubs of the country’s fishing industry where an expansion of the fishery capacities is anticipated in the future. However, vessels must navigate an exposed ebb shoal, and with larger vessels, a navigational channel is needed to ensure passage of vessels with a larger draught. In addition to this, the navigational operations are in harsh wave climates and shifting sediment with potential backfill of navigational channels. This pose risks to safe access for larger vessels. To ensure long-term operability, the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration (IRCA) invited DHI to explore solutions for improving navigational conditions. DHI used a model-based approach to optimise the navigational channel and to assess the feasibility of supporting coastal structures, ultimately improving access for fishery vessels through this challenging coastal zone.
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Challenge
If larger vessel types are introduced in the future, the harbour fleet will face the dual challenge of navigating safely and reliably while operating in one of Iceland’s most dynamic coastal environments.
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A key concern was the ebb shoal at the entrance to Höfn harbour, where strong tidal currents and shifting sediment frequently limit navigability. To address this, alternative dredging strategies needed to be analysed with the aim of improving year-round operability without incurring excessive maintenance or costs. In addition, the feasibility and potential benefits of introducing new coastal or navigational structures, such as breakwaters or guiding walls, needed to be evaluated to enhance both safety and long-term channel stability.
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Understanding and addressing these challenges was essential for the safe passage of larger vessels, thereby supporting the region’s vital fishing industry and ensuring economic growth to meet anticipated market demand.
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Solution
To tackle the complex conditions at Höfn’s ebb shoal, DHI delivered an integrated, model-driven approach. Central to the solution was a coupled wave, current and sediment transport model that accurately represented interactions between wave dynamics, tidal flows and sediment movement of the ebb shoal and adjacent coastlines. This model offered a clear understanding of sediment transport patterns and their impact on navigability, particularly during extreme winter conditions.
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Using this modelling framework, DHI evaluated a range of navigational channel layouts and estimated backfill volumes associated with each option. This enabled the identification of dredging strategies that would be both effective and sustainable, minimising downtime and maintenance requirements and potential environmental disruption.
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Based on the findings for the navigational channel on the open coast, DHI assessed the feasibility of various supporting structural interventions, to determine how they would perform under extreme wave and current conditions. The goal was to enhance year-round vessel operability without compromising safety or stability.

Accelerating hydropower generation in Uganda

Electricity company strengthens flood risk management and water flow forecasting with integrated decision support system&nbsp;
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Hydropower dams play a pivotal role in harnessing renewable energy from flowing water. The construction and operation of these dams can also impact flooding — a significant challenge worldwide, including in Uganda. To optimise hydropower production, the Uganda government, through the Uganda Electricity Generation Company Limited (UEGCL), has implemented a DHI-led decision-support system (DSS) to forecast inflow to Lake Victoria and in the Nile river. In a partnership with French engineering company ISL Ingénierie, DHI led the modelling work and the DSS development for the project, with the support of French development agency, Agence Française de Développement. This project was part of the EU-funded Digital Energy Facility programme, which supports innovative solutions for the energy sector.
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Challenge
Over 75% of Uganda’s hydropower capacity comes from the Nile river, making the optimisation of water resources a critical issue. Uganda Electricity Generation Company Limited (UEGCL) operates three of the largest hydropower plants in the country — Owen Falls Complex, Isimba and Karuma — accounting for over 70% of the market share. However, managing the river’s water flow is a major challenge, especially with seasonal fluctuations and extreme weather events. The absence of an early flood warning system further compounds the risk to both dam infrastructure and public safety. Additionally, climate change projections indicate an increase in the frequency and intensity of heavy rainfall in Uganda, which is expected to intensify flood risks. UEGCL faces the challenge of balancing the optimisation of hydropower generation with the need to safeguard infrastructure and surrounding communities from the growing threat of floods and dam safety issues amid a changing climate.
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Solution
DHI developed a solution to enhance hydropower management along the Nile river. The project began with data collection and site visits to four key hydropower plants, gathering essential site-specific data to inform the development of models.
The team collected both local and global datasets, including Earth observation products and near real-time information on water and weather conditions. This data was crucial in building a comprehensive understanding of the region’s water dynamics.
Using MIKE HYDRO Basin, DHI developed a water balance and allocation model to make short-term and seasonal forecasts. A flood model was also created to simulate hydrological conditions downstream of Lake Victoria. To support hydropower optimisation, the team built a hydropower operation and energy optimisation model using ISL Ingénierie’s software.
These models were integrated into a decision support system (DSS) using DHI’s platform, enabling stakeholders to visualise real-time results for flood forecasting, water flow and energy production. The DSS, based on MIKE OPERATIONS technology, enables automatic download and processing of earth observation and numerical weather prediction data to provide real-time, forecast and scenario results to improve decision-making.
Training sessions and workshops were conducted to ensure local teams had the skills to operate and maintain the system, ensuring its long-term success.
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Results
This solution has greatly improved decision-making, equipping stakeholders with the tools to make informed, proactive choices about water resource management and hydropower operations. The project has strengthened the capacity to manage water resources and hydropower production, while also enhancing preparedness for potential flood and drought events in the region.

Tsleil-Waututh Nation shoreline adaptation and restoration

Novel methods to protect and restore an eroding First Nation shoreline using nature-based solutions and traditional ecological knowledge and stewardship
 
The Tsleil-Waututh Nation (TWN, Indigenous name səlilwətaɬ, meaning ‘People of the Inlet’) is one of many Coast Salish peoples whose traditional territories span the Pacific Northwest, including parts of British Columbia, Washington and Oregon. In response to decades of shoreline degradation from erosion, vessel wake, wave action and loss of upland sediment, TWN initiated the Reserve Shoreline Adaptation and Restoration Project to protect and restore their foreshore along səl̓ilw̓ət (Burrard Inlet). The shoreline is a culturally significant and ecologically vital space for TWN, and the project reflects the Nation’s commitment to stewarding this land and water for present and future generations. Together with project partners, DHI supported TWN in developing shoreline designs using advanced modelling and physical testing. The initiative is Indigenous-led and emphasises the integration of nature-based solutions and TWN marine stewardship technologies to enhance resilience, restore ecological health and reconnect the community to the shoreline.
 
Challenge
TWN needed to address long-standing shoreline issues while embracing opportunities for ecological and cultural renewal. One key challenge was ongoing shoreline erosion — some areas had already experienced land loss of up to 13 metres, placing pressure on community lands, access points and important archaeological sites. Previous attempts to manage erosion through the installation of hard infrastructure (e.g., rip-rap) offered limited success and in some cases has contributed to habitat degradation and loss of intertidal connectivity. Additionally, coastal flooding, erosion and ‘coastal squeeze’ (the compression of habitats between rising seas and fixed infrastructure) are expected to intensify with future sea level rise and climate change.
The degradation of marine habitat has also impacted local biodiversity and the availability of traditionally harvested species such as shellfish, crabs, and seaweeds. The loss of shoreline integrity has both cultural and environmental impacts, highlighting the urgent need for innovative solutions that restore habitat and build long-term resilience.
 
Solution
To address severe erosion and environmental degradation along the reserve shoreline, TWN partnered with DHI to lead a comprehensive, data-driven and community-centered coastal adaptation initiative — implementing nature-based designs, advanced modelling and collaborative planning to protect and restore the coastline.
 
Solution highlights:

Coastal process and resilience modellingDHI helped simulate the effects of tides, storms and rising sea levels to guide the design process and improve resilience. This included assessing how coastal conditions and vessel wakes impact the shoreline.
Nature-based design integrationTogether with TWN, DHI co-developed shoreline designs that incorporate ecological restoration and Indigenous stewardship. These designs aim to protect the environment while supporting cultural values, with features like beaches, marshes and habitat areas.
Physical modelling validationDHI tested the preferred design in a scaled 3D model to ensure it could withstand future coastal conditions like extreme waves and rising seas. Evaluated overtopping, flooding and stone stability under future sea states.
Future-proof design guidanceDHI defined material specifications, crest elevations and adaptive design pathways to support long-term shoreline protection, and provided resilient design thresholds based on projected sea level rise (0.49–1.15 m) and storm scenarios. Construction tolerances and freeboard allowances were included to allow for flexible implementation. 

 
By combining ecological restoration with cultural priorities, DHI helped develop a nature-based shoreline design that adapts to future climate conditions. Unlike conventional erosion control projects, this approach emphasised co-development, habitat restoration and long-term community access.
 
Results
DHI’s modelling-driven, nature-based approach offers multiple benefits, aligning with TWN values and fostering ecological resilience. Design modelling confirms that the preferred concept will reduce wave-driven erosion along 500 m of shoreline, protecting areas that have already lost up to 13 m of land. Crest elevations and structural features were designed to withstand 1-in-100-year (1% AEP) storm events, accounting for projected sea level rise to year 2100, to help protect the irreplaceable cultural and archaeological sites located on TWN lands. Once implemented, the nature-based features such as cobble beaches, marsh benches and habitat islands will enhance biodiversity and restore native plant and marine species.
 
The project will reconnect the community to the shoreline with accessible paths, gathering spaces and a new canoe launch, ensuring safe access for all ages. With future climate change in mind, the design accounts for sea level rise and ensures long-term resilience. This initiative will restore the environment, strengthen cultural ties and lay the foundation for a resilient future, benefiting both the community and the environment.

Hydraulic modelling helps Nantes Métropole ensure a reliable supply for the city and surrounding municipalities
 
Nantes, a major city in western France, is the economic and cultural hub of the region. With over 650,000 inhabitants, Nantes Metropolis is the sixth-largest metropolitan area in France, comprising an intercommunality of 24 municipalities. Like many large cities, it faces the challenge of efficiently managing its water distribution network while accommodating a growing population. Maintaining reliable supply, ensuring accurate fire flow calculations and addressing environmental concerns are key priorities for Nantes Métropole as it works to optimise its system, which serves Nantes and surrounding areas. By implementing hydraulic modelling using DHI’s MIKE+, Nantes Métropole could now improve decision-making and address efficiencies in its water distribution network to meet current and future challenges by updating its drinking water master plan.
 
Challenge
Nantes Métropole’s challenges with its water distribution network were primarily related to infrastructure limitations and the growing demands of urban development and environmental sustainability. The existing hydraulic model was outdated and had not been updated to reflect changes in infrastructure. It also lacked comprehensive data on pipe diameters, limiting its accuracy and reliability. To address these challenges, Nantes Métropole is taking proactive steps to gain a detailed and reliable understanding of network performance, identifying peak demand locations including pressure zoning, sensitive points within the network and areas with potential for efficiency improvements. In addition, qualitative aspects such as ensuring water quality—residence time, contact time, chlorine levels and more—are also being closely monitored and optimised.
 
 
Solution
The teams from Nantes Métropole and DHI collaborated to develop a detailed hydraulic model of the water distribution network using MIKE+, which allows them to create a digital twin to simulate different scenarios and pinpoint vulnerabilities. 
 
The hydraulic model integrates disparate date sets into a unified representation of the water distribution network, considering factors like urban development, consumption patterns, physical infrastructure, regulatory compliance and future climate impacts. By reflecting both real-time conditions and future projections, the model becomes a powerful tool for strategic planning and improving efficiency. This approach is a clear improvement over traditional methods, which are often reactive and rely on outdated updates and forecasts, preventing them from fully addressing the complexity of modern water systems and changing conditions.
 
Results
The implementation of DHI's solution significantly benefitted Nantes Métropole, allowing the authority to:

Accurately plan for future water demand based on various scenarios, including population growth and climate change impacts
Enhance the overall efficiency and reliability of the water network, ensuring better service quality for residents and compliance with environmental regulations
Improve water quality through better monitoring and control of key parameters
Significantly reduce water loss and associated costs

The solution has equipped Nantes Métropole with the ability to manage water resources more efficiently, enabling data-driven decision-making and strategic planning to meet current and future challenges.

Strengthening climate resilience in Brazil and Argentina

Integrating grey and nature-based flood management measures for sustainable urban development 
South American cities are increasingly impacted by climate-related disasters, and the projected rise in the frequency and intensity of these events is expected to widen existing inequalities, as the most vulnerable communities are also those with fewer resources to adapt. To build resilience, it is crucial for cities to integrate climate adaptation strategies and flood and drought risk management into urban planning. Within the framework of the EUROCLIMA+ programme, and under the implementation of the French Development Agency (AFD), different pilot areas of the west metropolitan region of São Paulo (Brazil) and City of Córdoba (Argentina) were selected due to their shared challenges with urbanisation and frequent flooding. DHI delivered a comprehensive flood risk management plan for each pilot area that combines structural and nature-based solutions (NbS), which, once implemented, will significantly reduce flooding and improve quality of life for residents. 
 
Challenge
Brazil and Argentina face significant challenges related to urban flooding, each shaped by distinct geographical and infrastructural factors. In Brazil, the pilot areas are characterised by high impermeability rates, steep slopes and rapid watershed responses, which together create conditions for intense and fast-flowing rainwater runoff. Urbanisation and the channelling of rainwater through drainage systems exacerbate these conditions, leading to frequent and severe flooding.Meanwhile, the challenges of the pilot area in Argentina also stem from its highly urbanised area with nearly complete impermeability (96%) yet low slopes. In addition, although the upstream watershed remains largely agricultural and natural, the lack of an adequate rainwater collection network contributes to or exacerbates flooding due to characteristics of existing drainage. Additionally, flash floods from surface runoff and the rising water table further complicate flood management in this urban area.Together, these challenges impact vulnerable communities, damaging residential, commercial and critical infrastructure, such as public transportation hubs.
 
Solution
DHI developed a comprehensive flood risk management plan for each of the four study areas by applying a methodology that included detailed data analysis, flood risk assessments and the creation of flood models, risk maps and consultation with the experts of each municipal authority. The plans identify key development solutions and incorporate them into preliminary designs. Additionally, the project provided recommendations, promoted best practices and developed educational materials to raise awareness for civil servants at the municipalities in question. Training programs were also conducted to equip stakeholders with the necessary knowledge and skills.
 
What made DHI’s solution unique? 
 

Integrated green and grey solutions: DHI’s hydrologists and urban flood protection and modelling experts worked with landscape architects to combine nature-based approaches, such as increasing permeability, with engineered infrastructure, like drainage pipes, retention basins and embankments, to create sustainable flood risk reduction strategies
Advanced modelling: DHI used the MIKE+ 1D-2D hydrological and hydraulic model combined with LiDAR surveys to accurately simulate flood risks, even when hydrometric datasets were incomplete
Field-based validation: Instead of conventional calibration, models were validated using field observations, photos and local testimonies, ensuring real-world accuracy

Participatory approach: The solution incorporated a collaborative process with local technical committees, ensuring urban development plans aligned with the municipalities’ needs and priorities


Capacity building and knowledge transfer: DHI’s climate change adaptation study included extensive training for local public servants, fostering long-term resilience and local expertise across the territories


 
Results
By combining structural drainage systems with nature-based solutions, DHI’s approach addresses severe flooding in vulnerable urban areas. Once the detailed interventions in the flood risk management plans are implemented, floodable spaces will be transformed into multifunctional environments, offering both hydraulic benefits and urban functions. These spaces are designed to mitigate the impacts of floods while serving as parks, playgrounds, sports fields and other community spaces during dry periods. Currently, these areas are vulnerable to flooding with limited utility, but in the future, they will be able to provide both flood protection and improved public spaces, benefiting local communities.The environment will also benefit through the creation of floodable urban spaces that integrate green and blue infrastructure. These spaces enhance biodiversity, reduce pollution and improve water management. By converting floodplains into multifunctional spaces, such as parks and gardens, these urban areas become more resilient to climate change while providing valuable ecological functions. Additionally, these spaces are designed to be low maintenance, reducing the need for costly infrastructure repairs and ensuring long-term sustainability.

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