Solar Energy Powers Waste Water Treatment in East Ayrshire

Work on a £245,000 solar project at a waste water treatment works in East Ayrshire is now complete. 

The Scottish Water Horizons project has seen 270 ground mounted solar panels installed at the site in Stewarton and is expected to generate 0.11GWh of green energy a year – the same amount needed to boil around 488,800 kettles.  

It will meet a fifth of the site’s power needs and save around 31 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent each year, making the treatment of waste water at the site less carbon intensive and helping Scottish Water get closer towards meeting its goal of net zero emissions by 2040.

Scottish Water Horizons Project Manager Brian James said: “We’re delighted to complete this solar project at Stewarton waste water treatment works, which will help make the vital services delivered to customers in the area less carbon intensive. 

“Given the site is close to residential properties, we tried to ensure any disruption from the construction of the scheme was minimised and would like to thank local residents for their patience while this project was completed. 

“It joins a growing number of renewable schemes that are now in operation across Scottish Water assets, all of which are helping us towards our net zero emissions target for 2040.”

Scottish Water Senior Operator Ross Hay said: “It is great that almost a fifth of the energy needed to run the works here in Stewarton will now be provided by this solar scheme – the works operate round the clock treating waste water from customers across the local area and due to this, are a significant user of energy. 

“This is a positive step towards reducing the carbon involved in delivering these essential services to customers.” 

The project was delivered by renewable energy specialist FES Group.