top of page
Gray background with light blue curve in top right corner

Shaping The Future Of The Thames Estuary, England

  • Oliver Ashton
  • Oct 1
  • 3 min read

Updated: Oct 7


“ Flood Platform has transformed how we deliver large scale modelling projects like TE2100. By harnessing high performance computing and automation, we’ve accelerated analysis, improved transparency, and unlocked real value for our client. This innovation isn’t just about speed, it’s about enabling smarter, evidence based decisions that reduce risk, cost, and carbon, helping create a more resilient future for the Thames Estuary."

Liam Durr, Senior Associate Director - Flood Risk, Mapping & Modelling Framework Manager, Jacobs



Key Facts

  • Flood Simulations: Flood Platform enables parallel execution of thousands of flood simulations, essential for modelling over 15,000 breach scenarios across the Thames Estuary.

  • Customisable Environment: Flood Platform enables the creation of a bespoke Automated Breach Modelling System that dynamically generates optimised TUFLOW models, reducing storage requirements and accelerating analysis.

  • Collaboration: Flood Platform's cloud based architecture ensures scalability and real time collaboration between Jacobs delivery teams and the Environment Agency, streamlining workflows and eliminating manual data transfers.

  • Lasting Impact: Flood Platform will help to inform flood risk management options to best protect over 1.4 million people and £321 ($434) billion in property from rising flood risks.



Project Overview

Spanning about 100 kilometers from Teddington in the west to Shoeburyness and the Isle of Grain in the east, the Thames Estuary presents one of the most complex and significant flood modelling environments in the United Kingdom. This area is influenced by a complex mix of tides, tidal surges, river currents, and the operation of key tidal defenses like the Thames Barrier and various tributary control structures. Capturing the full behavior of this system demands sophisticated modelling techniques that account for the interplay between tidal movements, estuarine hydraulics, and evolving climate conditions.


Leading the charge on this effort, Jacobs and JBA Consulting are spearheading the Thames Estuary 2100 Modelling Project on behalf of the Environment Agency to protect lives, secure vital infrastructure and guide sustainable development. The project creates a trusted and unified evidence base for smarter planning and climate resilience, building a safer future for one of the principal development areas in Southern England.



Environment Agency logo on a London river background, featuring buildings like The Shard. Text: Environment Agency.


The Role of Flood Platform

Flood Platform is central to delivering the TE2100 Modelling Project at scale and speed. Designed for high performance computing, it enables parallel execution of thousands of flood simulations, essential for modelling over 15,000 breach scenarios across the Thames Estuary. Its cloud based architecture ensures scalability and real time collaboration between Jacobs delivery teams and the Environment Agency, streamlining workflows and eliminating manual data transfers.


Flood Platform provides a customisable environment, enabling the creation of a bespoke Automated Breach Modelling System that dynamically generates optimised TUFLOW models, reducing storage requirements and accelerating analysis. Built-in version control, automated validation, and web based visualisation tools enhance transparency and quality assurance.


By integrating these innovations, Flood Platform delivers faster results, supports evidence based decision making, and reduces time, cost, and carbon, making it a cornerstone of the TE2100 Modelling Project’s ambition to create a consistent understanding of flood risk for a future ready, resilient estuary.



Aerial map with purple overlay indicating depth in a field, bordered by a river, with a nearby town. Menu and options visible on the left.


Summary

The TE2100 Modelling Project delivers science-led solutions to help the Thames Estuary adapt to climate change, protect vital infrastructure and plan with confidence. By providing a consistent evidence base, Jacobs and JBA are strengthening resilience and creating lasting benefits for people, places and the planet. Flood Platform will help to inform flood risk management options to best protect over 1.4 million people and £321 ($434) billion in property from rising flood risks.


Smiling man in a gray suit and navy tie stands in a garden with lush greenery in the background.

Liam Durr

Liam is a Senior Associate Director of Flood Risk Modelling at Jacobs with over 14 years’ experience in the water and environment sector. As Framework Manager for the Environment Agency’s Mapping and Modelling Framework, he combines deep technical expertise with strategic leadership to deliver innovative, data-driven solutions.



bottom of page