A £516,000 PV project to install over 886 solar panels has been completed at a waste water treatment works in East Ayrshire, supporting Scottish Water’s pledge to reach net zero emissions by 2040.
Photo: Cumnock PV Scheme
The site, located in Cumnock, has been fitted out with a combination of ground and roof-mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, helping to lower the carbon footprint of waste water services in the surrounding areas.
Photo: Cumnock PV Scheme mix of ground and roof-mounted PV panels
The carbon reducing technology will offset around one third of the electricity required to operate the facility, with the new PV system generating 0.4GWh of energy annually. The scheme will also save around 97 tonnes of CO2 equivalent tonnes per year.
The energy needed to provide essential water and waste water services makes Scottish Water the largest single user of electricity in the country. This latest investment by Scottish Water Horizons, sees the site join a growing list of water and waste water treatment works which are now either self-sufficient or partly sufficient in their power requirements.
The project was delivered by Scotland-based FES Group.
Ben Anderson, Specialist Graduate for Scottish Water Horizons, said:
“Last week saw the earth’s hottest day on record. Solar PV power is crucial in our fight against climate change and reducing our carbon footprint.
"The renewable energy generated from our projects will significantly contribute to Scottish Water’s efforts to become a greener organisation and achieve our net zero carbon emissions target by 2040 and beyond.”
Mechelle Barbour, Scottish Water Operations Team Leader for East and South Ayrshire, commented:
"Implementing sustainable solutions like this solar PV scheme benefits both the environment and our customers.
"Planned biodiversity measures for the site will also help to protect local species and habitats. By reducing emissions at this treatment facility, we are contributing to a greener, more sustainable community.”
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