Scottish Water applies for wind turbine consent to boost renewables portfolio

The proposed turbine would sit on a 75m tower with a blade diameter of 54m and according to Scottish Water, it is part of a wider investment programme in renewable generation schemes on appropriate sites across Scotland.

The water utility currently generates around 7% of the energy it consumes, but through innovative use of its assets, such as treatment works, pipes, catchments and pipelines, it hopes to significantly increase this proportion.

Other examples of Scottish Water generating its own renewable energy include the installation of the UK’s first Difgen hydro-turbine near Denny, which manages pressure in pipes while also generating renewable energy.

Scottish Water also has ten hydro schemes in operation and ten small-scale wind turbines at its wastewater treatment works in Stornoway.

The company claims the turbine will help the utility reduce its energy bill for the benefit of customers.

Scottish Water Horizon’s commercial manager Donald MacBrayne said: “In providing essential services to our customers, Scottish Water is a significant user of electricity.

“By generating renewable energy on our own assets such as treatment works or in pipes we can reduce our overall energy bill, for the benefit of customers paying for our services.”

“As part of this wider strategy land at Bradan Water Treatment Works has been identified as potentially suitable for small scale development and, working with our Willow Energy, we have now submitted an application to South Ayrshire Council for consideration.”

Conor McGlone