Net Zero Emissions Roadmap
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Skellyton Green Energy Scheme

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SCOTTISH WATER

Scottish Water has applied for planning permission to allow green energy to power a South Lanarkshire waste water treatment works.

Renewable Energy

The proposed photovoltaic panels will offset more than 20 per cent of the electricity needed to operate the facility.

The company’s commercial subsidiary Scottish Water Horizons is proposing to install 560 photovoltaic (PV) panels at Skellyton near Larkhall.

The carbon reducing technology will offset more than 20 per cent of the electricity needed to operate the facility and generate over 150MWh of electricity each year – the same amount of energy needed to boil a kettle 1.5 million times or watch a million hours of television.

Donald MacBrayne, Business Development Manager at Scottish Water Horizons, said: “Offsetting energy usage through renewable generation is a key part of delivering on our commitment to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2040.

“This scheme will not only help Skellyton treatment works on the way to energy self-sufficiency it will also contribute around 12 per cent of the generated electricity to the national grid, helping to off-set carbon emissions further afield.”

The installation of the solar PV array will cut carbon dioxide emissions associated with the site by over 20 tonnes a year.

PV panels will be installed in an area of scrub, brownfield land within the boundaries of the existing works.

The Skellyton project is the latest in a long list of renewables schemes already installed at many treatment works and other Scottish Water assets across Scotland.

Scottish Water has committed to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2040 with an interim target to host or self-generate three times its annual electricity consumption by 2030.

Almost 80 of the company’s water and waste water treatment works are now either self-sufficient or partly sufficient in their power requirements.

“This scheme will not only help Skellyton treatment works on the way to energy self-sufficiency it will also contribute around 12 per cent of the generated electricity to the national grid, helping to off-set carbon emissions further afield.”

Donald MacBrayne
Business Development Manager, Scottish Water Horizons

CASE STUDY

Douglas Park Community Consultation in Dundee

Scottish Water has been a partner in a project, led by the local community and supported by the National Lottery’s Community Fund, to regenerate the site once occupied by Douglas Primary School as a multi-functional greenspace.

Our team worked with the community to incorporate sustainable drainage features in the new park, which store and slowly release the rainwater that falls on surrounding roads and rooftops during storms. This eases pressure on the combined sewer network in the local area, as well as helping to protect the local environment and reduce flood risk from the Dighty Burn. Importantly, the community has been able to realise its wider aims by creating an attractive outdoor space that also provides a home for wildlife; and can be enjoyed for play, relaxation, exercise, events and the growing of food.

Planning is now underway to introduce more sustainable water management measures in the area surrounding the park, with the aim of disconnecting over 40,000m2 of land area from the combined sewer network; and helping to enable the development of more social housing in Douglas. Engagement with the community, including schools and other key stakeholders, is being carried out to help shape the proposals.

Work with the community and Dundee City Council on sustainable drainage for Douglas has helped to inspire the Water Resilient Dundee partnership. This initiative is now pursuing opportunities for more sustainable management of stormwater across the city, reducing flood risk in communities, creating capacity for development and enhancing amenity.