Major Solar Upgrade Supports Glasgow’s Water Supply
25 June 2025
A major new solar scheme is helping to provide clean water to over 700,000 households in Glasgow.
The £946,000 project at Milngavie water treatment works has seen 1,421 roof mounted panels installed at the site, which are expected to generate 0.75GWh of green energy a year – 8 per cent of what is needed to power the works.
It will save around 120 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent each year – the same as 66 return flights from Glasgow to New York – making the water treatment process 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 Keliann Arthur said: “This scheme represents a major investment in renewables at one of Scottish Water’s largest water treatment works, making a significant impact on the amount of carbon it produces while providing thousands of customers across Glasgow with a vital service.
“It joins a growing portfolio of solar schemes at Scottish Water sites across the country, as we look to increasingly embed renewable energy generation into the water and waste water treatment processes.”
Scottish Water Senior Operator Drew Lowrie said: “The water treatment works at Milngavie is a significant user of energy, helping us to ensure that we provide clean, fresh water to our customers in the Glasgow area.
“It is great that some of the energy required will now be created and utilised on site, helping to reduce the level of carbon involved in the water treatment process and helping Scottish Water meet its net zero goals.”
The solar scheme was delivered by renewable energy specialists Emtec Energy.
