The FutureDAMS consortium is working to improve the design, selection and operation of dams to support sustainable development.

More than 3,700 large dams planned or under construction, to service growing demands for energy and irrigation. This new generation of dam schemes has the potential to make a significant contribution towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and Paris climate change commitments. But maximising the benefits, while minimising the negative social and environmental impacts remains a challenge.

The FutureDAMS consortium is developing the knowledge base, tools and approach to enable dam projects to support resilient and sustainable development in a warming world.

Led by The University of Manchester and the International Institute for Environment & Development (IIED) this £8 million project runs until December 2021. A consortium of over 30 researchers is funded by RCUK as part of the Global Challenges Research Fund.