Vodafone’s Partnership with Extreme E Supports Climate Change Awareness and Salmon Conservation in Scotland

IoT Technology to Aid Conservation Efforts for Scottish Atlantic Salmon

(IN BRIEF) Vodafone and Extreme E have partnered to protect Scotland’s Atlantic salmon from the impacts of climate change. Extreme E, an eco-conscious, all-electric motorsport series, aims to raise awareness about climate change while showcasing damaged environments. The racing series has chosen Glenmuckloch, an abandoned coal mine in Scotland, as its location. Vodafone Business, as Extreme E’s technology partner, is integrating advanced capabilities like 5G and IoT into the series’ operations. In collaboration with the Nith District Salmon Fishery Board, Vodafone is using IoT technology to monitor the River Nith’s temperature, acidity, and pollution levels in real-time. This data helps researchers take prompt action to protect the salmon and other species. The project also involves planting woodlands along the riverbanks to minimize erosion and the installation of leaky dams to slow down the river flow. Vodafone is committed to greening its operations and helping business customers reduce carbon emissions using IoT solutions.

(PRESS RELEASE) BERKSHIRE, 30-May-2023 — /EuropaWire/ —  Vodafone (LON: VOD), a British multinational leader in technology communications, has announced that Vodafone Business, as the official technology partner of Extreme E, has joined forces with the global motorsport series to safeguard Scotland’s Atlantic salmon from the adverse impacts of climate change. Extreme E, a revolutionary all-electric racing series founded by Alejandro Agag and Gil De Ferran in 2018, aims to raise awareness about climate change while showcasing environmentally damaged regions around the world.

Glenmuckloch, an abandoned open-cast coal mine situated in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland, has been chosen as the backdrop for this unique racing series. Beyond its dramatic appeal, this location signifies the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy. Currently undergoing development as a pump-storage hydro facility, Glenmuckloch will harness wind energy by storing it through water pumping into a reservoir, which can later be utilized to generate hydroelectric power.

Embracing innovation, Vodafone Business, as Extreme E’s official technology partner, is collaborating to integrate advanced capabilities such as 5G, mobile private networks, the Internet of Things (IoT), and multi-access edge computing into the series’ global operations. Vodafone’s support extends beyond technology integration, encompassing the series’ Legacy Programmes.

Each destination visited by Extreme E serves as an opportunity to leave a lasting positive impact on the local community and environment. Through partnerships with local organizations and the series’ Scientific Committee, Extreme E has successfully executed previous projects, including a conservation initiative for endangered turtles in collaboration with the Ba’a Foundation in Saudi Arabia and the launch of an IoT-based early forest fire detection system in Sardinia with MEDSEA.

In their latest initiative, Vodafone and Extreme E aim to shed light on the challenges faced by Atlantic salmon due to climate change.

Understanding the plight of Atlantic salmon

Scotland’s River Nith has been the historical habitat of Atlantic salmon for centuries. However, in recent decades, the population of adult salmon returning to the river has drastically declined due to factors such as deteriorating water quality, rising temperatures, and riverbank erosion.

Water temperatures exceeding 23 degrees Celsius pose a significant threat to salmon biology, as the eggs are unable to survive such high temperatures. Variable water levels also pose dangers to this vulnerable species. Low water levels make it challenging for salmon to swim upstream, while high levels lead to riverbank erosion. The eroded material flows downstream and smothers salmon eggs, resulting in increased mortality rates.

Moreover, coal mining activities have taken place in the Nith catchment for many years, significantly impacting water quality. The closure of the last coal mine just two years ago highlights the lasting consequences of this industry on the region’s ecosystem.

Leveraging IoT technology for salmon conservation

Vodafone, in collaboration with the Nith District Salmon Fishery Board, is utilizing IoT technology to tackle these issues. Multiple ‘Hydrosenses’ devices have been strategically installed around the River Nith to monitor temperature, acidity, and pollution levels in real-time. This data is then shared with researchers who can take immediate action to protect the salmon and other species in the river.

The Hydrosense system will also measure the effectiveness of conservation measures, such as habitat restoration and fish stocking. Previously, evaluations were conducted manually and samples were transported to a lab for testing, which was time-consuming and infrequent. With the implementation of IoT technology, real-time data collection enables proactive measures to be taken promptly.

Promoting sustainable change

As part of this project, 200 hectares of woodlands will be planted along the riverbanks to stabilize the ground. By anchoring the soil, the roots of these trees minimize erosion and provide shade, which helps cool the water temperature. Additionally, the installation of 100 leaky dams will slow down the river flow and reduce erosion.

At Vodafone, we are thrilled to contribute to these conservation efforts and demonstrate how technology can play a pivotal role in addressing the climate emergency. We remain committed to greening our own operations and supporting our business customers in reducing their carbon emissions by a total of 350 million tonnes between 2020 and 2030, primarily through the utilization of our IoT solutions.

About Vodafone

Vodafone is a leading telecommunications company dedicated to creating a sustainable future. We strive to provide innovative solutions that empower individuals, businesses, and societies to connect and prosper in an ever-changing digital world.

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SOURCE: VODAFONE