Solar expansion at Blairlinnans increases
on-site renewable generation

Scottish Water Horizons has expanded the solar scheme at Blairlinnans Water Treatment Works, adding hundreds of panels to help power the site and reduce carbon emissions.

The latest phase of the project has seen 648 solar panels added to an existing scheme near Balloch, increasing the number of panels at the site to 1,672, and boosting the total annual generation across the site to around 0.54GWh – enough to power approximately 190 UK homes annually.

Around 40% of the site’s power demands will now be met by renewable energy, helping to improve resilience against fluctuating grid electricity prices. The site’s combined solar installations are forecast to avoid 226 tonnes of CO₂e each year – the same as 125 return flights between Edinburgh and New York.

The project forms part of Scottish Water’s wider investment in renewable energy generation as it works towards its net zero ambitions and increases the amount of clean electricity generated across its estate.

Reducing carbon and energy costs

Kasi Hamitouche of Scottish Water Horizons said: “This is a significant expansion of the solar scheme that was already in place at Blairlinnans and means that around 40% of the power needed to treat water for thousands of homes in the areas is now provided by renewable energy generated on site.

“By continuing to increase the amount of renewable electricity we generate ourselves, we’re reducing carbon emissions, lowering our reliance on grid electricity and helping to protect the business from future energy market volatility.”

Scottish Water Operations Team Leader, Jayde Bree, added: “Generating more of the energy we need on our own sites helps reduce both carbon emissions and operational costs while improving our resilience to future energy price rises.

“Projects like this play an important role in supporting Scottish Water’s journey to net zero while we continue to provide essential services for customers.”

The project was delivered by renewables specialists R&A Group.