Scottish Water has reached a significant milestone in its drive to cut carbon, reduce operating costs and increase its energy resilience, with the installation of its 100th solar scheme.
The publicly-owned utility now has solar panels helping to power essential water and wastewater services at 100 sites across Scotland — from treatment works and pumping stations to operational buildings — supporting its ambition to reach net zero emissions by 2040.
The milestone scheme, at Kinneil Kerse Wastewater Treatment Works near Falkirk (pictured above), is the latest in a growing programme of renewable energy projects being delivered across Scottish Water’s estate.
Together, they are helping to generate around 25.1GWh of green electricity each year directly where it is needed – the same amount needed to power around 9,300 UK homes – reducing reliance on grid power, cutting carbon emissions and providing long-term resilience against fluctuating energy prices.
The solar programme is also delivering wider environmental benefits, with biodiversity measures incorporated into suitable sites. These have included wildflower meadows, bird and bat boxes, hibernacula for amphibians and reptiles, and other habitat improvements that support local wildlife alongside renewable energy generation.
Scottish Water Horizons, the utility’s commercial subsidiary, leads the programme and works with delivery partners to identify, design and install renewable energy projects at sites where they can provide the greatest environmental and operational benefit.
Donald MacBrayne, Scottish Water Horizons Business Development and Delivery Manager, said, “When Scottish Water first started installing solar panels at its sites in 2011, the schemes were smaller and more limited in scale. In recent years, we have significantly increased both the number and size of projects being delivered, supported by advances in solar technology and a growing understanding of where renewable energy can make the biggest difference.
“These schemes are helping to reduce carbon emissions, lower operational costs and make our sites more resilient. They also provide long-term value for customers by reducing our exposure to volatile electricity prices.”
Welcoming the milestone, Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Rural Affairs Gillian Martin said, “This is a significant milestone which demonstrates how underused spaces can be transformed to generate clean, renewable electricity and help customer charges for water services go further.
“Scottish Water’s growing solar network is helping to cut emissions, improve resilience and deliver long-term value for customers. Alongside work to preserve biodiversity, these projects show how climate action can support nature recovery while helping drive Scotland’s transition to net zero.”
Scottish Water has committed to reaching net zero emissions by 2040, five years ahead of Scotland’s national target. Increasing renewable energy generation across its estate while enhancing biodiversity is a key part of that commitment, helping to make services more sustainable while delivering value for customers.
Solar schemes are in place at locations including Milngavie Water Treatment Works (pictured below), which serves more than 700,000 customers in the Glasgow area, Newbridge Wastewater Treatment Works near Edinburgh, Longman Drive in Inverness, as well as the Isle of Bute, the Scottish Borders and many other urban and rural locations across the country.
