The Hydrofiles

Water, water everywhere…we often talk about ‘going green’, but our planet is mostly blue. Rising sea levels and more extreme weather are affecting people, nature, infrastructure and economies across the globe. But society isn't adapting to climate change fast enough.At HR Wallingford, we want to change this. The Hydrofiles explores possibilities for creating a sustainable and resilient world, where people and the environment can thrive. Join our experts as they address these challenges head on.

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Episodes

Collaboration for a net zero future

Why is collaboration so important for marine renewables? This question is discussed in our latest podcast by international experts in marine scour, Richard Whitehouse and John Harris. They illustrate their points with some fascinating examples and share insights from their many years at the heart of the industry.

Feb 17, 2025•18 min•Season 1Ep. 12

Simulating realistic tsunami waves

In this podcast, Dr Ian Chandler and Professor Tiziana Rossetto talk about how we’ve been working since the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami to help protect vulnerable communities from future tsunamis. We’ve developed tsunami simulators that have led to a greater understanding of how the waves interact with the coastline and buildings, and directly fed into the codes of practice that are now being implemented by engineers. There’s still more that can be done, however. Listen in to learn about our future ...

Jan 21, 2025•12 min•Season 1Ep. 11

Challenges and potential solutions for carbon capture and storage (CCS)

In the final instalment of our energy futures series, Mike Case discusses the challenges and potential solutions for carbon capture and storage (CCS). He highlights the logistical difficulties of transporting liquefied carbon dioxide and cost barriers to making CCS a reality.

Dec 02, 2024•8 min•Season 1Ep. 10

Solar energy

Why might water be crucial to solar energy? In the third of our Energy Futures miniseries, Mike Case explains how our expertise could help unlock a global solar energy market and fuel the energy transition.

Oct 16, 2024•11 min•Season 1Ep. 9

Nature positive dredging

Dredging is changing its image. Giulia Sforzi, Jeremy Spearman and Mark Lee highlight how dredging can provide win-win biodiversity solutions, and why the future is bright for sustainable dredging. Jez also elucidates an innovative project for Harwich Haven Authority to create habitat.

Sep 11, 2024•21 min

Energy futures: nuclear

In the second of our four-part Energy Futures series, Mike Case and Sally Jackson discuss the potential of nuclear energy to help meet future energy demands. They explore: why water is important to nuclear and the challenges presented by climate change, including sea level rise and increased rainfall. They also discuss the potential of small modular reactors (SMRs) as a cost-effective and innovative solution.

Jul 29, 2024•11 min•Season 2Ep. 2

Energy futures: floating wind

In the first of our four-part Energy Futures series, Mike Case and Sally Jackson discuss the industrialisation of floating wind. They explore the opportunities and challenges of building floating offshore wind farms, including scaling up port operations and the need for suitable areas for storage.

Jul 02, 2024•13 min•Season 2Ep. 1

Earth Observation: the final frontier?

Space technology is not just about exploring the far reaches of the galaxy, but also has huge potential to help us with problems closer to home. Special guest, Ray Fielding of the UK Space Agency, Darren Lumbroso, Gina Tsarouchi and Quillon Harpham join Sally Jackson to explore how Earth Observations can help answer age-old questions, improve lives and safeguard our world. They also delve into where the future lies for the smart use of new datasets in the sectors we work in....

Mar 31, 2022•33 min•Season 1Ep. 5

Can ports keep goods moving as climate changes?

Climate change could disrupt the operation of ports and harbours, a vital part of the global supply chain, unless they are well prepared. Maria di Leo, Mark Lee and Tom Matthewson discuss how ports need to allow for the predicted impacts of climate change – rising sea levels, higher waves and increased storminess – when designing new infrastructure or adapting existing sea walls, quays or breakwaters. Our experts also outline the role ports can play in cutting carbon emissions, for instance by s...

Oct 11, 2021•18 min•Ep. 4

Water and the road to net zero

Renewables and energy experts Mike Case and Iain Gunn explain why a net zero future just isn’t possible without managing water. The pair take an in-depth look at trends in offshore wind, including the future for floating turbines, as well as explaining how water interacts with our energy supply in ways you might never have thought of. Listen in to get up-to-date on energy and gain fascinating insights from the hidden world behind the big engineering projects.

Oct 08, 2021•25 min•Ep. 3

Water on tap? We need to act now to avoid water shortages as our climate changes

As climate changes advances, how can we make sure there is enough water to go round – for drinking, sanitation, farming, industry, and ecosystems? Chris Counsell, Aodhín McBride, and George Woodhouse discuss how the impacts of climate change – heavier rainfall, rising temperatures, droughts, and hurricanes – will affect water availability. The water resource experts explain how planning will help, stressing the need to manage demand, as well as increasing supply and making infrastructure more re...

Oct 06, 2021•33 min•Ep. 2

Flooding and climate change: rising to the challenges

There’s no doubt that climate change is making ‘once in a lifetime’ floods a common occurrence, often with devastating consequences. So, how can communities across the world become more resilient? Emma Brown, Steve Grey and David Ramsbottom delve into the climate crisis and what it means for flood management. The three world-leading experts discuss topics as diverse as: using space technology to forecast floods; protecting megacities into the future; educating communities in the UK; and whether ...

Oct 06, 2021•27 min•Ep. 1

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