Solar power and battery storage project completed at Linwood

Renewable energy around the clock in Linwood, Renfrewshire

Scottish Water will now be able to access renewable energy around the clock to help power one of its sites in Renfrewshire, following the completion of a new solar power and battery storage project.

The scheme at Linwood Wastewater Pumping Station has seen nearly 2,000 ground-mounted solar panels installed alongside 12 battery racks. Together, the technologies will generate, capture and store renewable electricity for use when it is needed most.

Solar power to meet around half of the site’s energy demand

The solar PV system is expected to generate up to 0.97GWh of renewable electricity each year, with around 53 per cent of the solar energy generated used directly on site. This will help reduce operational energy costs, improve energy resilience and cut reliance on grid electricity.

The renewable energy generated on site is expected to meet around half of the pumping station’s overall energy demand and reduce carbon emissions by an estimated 147 tonnes each year, equivalent to around 56 return flights between Aberdeen and Vancouver.

Any renewable electricity not used at the site will be exported to the national grid.

Scottish Water Horizons delivers third battery storage project

The project is the third battery storage scheme to be installed at a Scottish Water site. It was led by Scottish Water Horizons and delivered by renewable energy specialist OCS.

New hedgerows and wildlife habitat features are also planned as part of biodiversity enhancements at the Linwood site.

Making better use of renewable energy

Scottish Water Horizons Project Manager Alan Mearns said: “This project demonstrates how we are using innovative technologies, including battery storage, to get the most from renewable energy generated on site.

“By capturing and storing energy to use at strategic times, we can improve resilience, significantly reduce operational costs and carbon emissions from this site, and make our operations more efficient.”

Supporting reliable wastewater services

Scottish Water Operations Team Leader Jim Reid said: “Pumping stations operate around the clock to deliver essential services for local communities, so energy use is significant.

“The ability to store energy on site means we can use the renewable power generated in the most effective way and reduce our dependence on the grid, while continuing to provide a reliable service for customers.”

Supporting the local community and biodiversity

The project team has also worked with a local school to improve its outdoor learning and sensory garden areas. New planters featuring sensory-friendly vegetation have been installed, creating a more engaging outdoor environment to support learning, wellbeing and connection with nature.

New hedgerows and wildlife habitat features at the pumping station will also help enhance biodiversity around the site.

Investing in renewable energy across Scottish Water

Linwood Wastewater Pumping Station plays a key role in transporting wastewater for treatment, making it an energy-intensive part of Scottish Water’s network.

The project forms part of a wider programme of investment in renewable energy and low-carbon technology across Scottish Water sites. This investment supports Scottish Water’s goal of reaching net zero by 2040 while helping to create more sustainable and resilient services for communities across Scotland.