Scotland
UK
Ireland
London
Construction News
30/05/2023
First Of Its Kind Project To Harness Hydropower From Waste Water
Scottish Water has announced a first of its kind project in the Uk to harness hydropower from waste water.
Construction of this innovative scheme is well underway and involves the installation of a hydro turbine at Hamilton Waste Water Treatment Works in South Lanarkshire.
The scheme is being led by Scottish Water's commercial subsidiary Scottish Water Horizons and is expected to generate 0.42GWh of green electricity each year – the equivalent of boiling around 1,800,000 kettles a year – and offset 13 per cent of the treatment works' annual electricity demand.
It will be the first pre-fabricated hydro scheme to be installed 'mid process' at a waste water treatment works in the UK, with waste water flowing through a hydro-electric generator within the pipeline of the plant.
The hydro turbine is anticipated to cut carbon emissions by around 64 tonnes each year, the same amount as a passenger jet flying from Glasgow to Sydney, Australia 13 times.
Neil Beaumont, Horizons Hydro Energy Team Lead, said: "Scottish Water has a vast array of land, property, and operational assets that offer enormous potential when it comes to renewables. We need to be open to fresh ideas and bold in our delivery when it comes to achieving our green energy ambitions.
"Until recently, all previous hydro efforts have concentrated on harnessing energy from our water assets. Now we're looking at more creative ways to generate energy and lower our carbon emissions. By adopting a non-traditional approach such as that at Hamilton Treatment Works, we can identify opportunities to further optimise generation and tap into significant potential across Scotland.
"This novel approach will also go a long way towards helping Scottish Water achieve net zero emissions by 2040 and beyond, deliver service excellence, and create greener communities."
The innovative hydro scheme is expected to be up and running by the end of autumn 2023. Even prior to commissioning, it has been shortlisted for two categories at the Water Industry Awards which take place in Birmingham on 29 June, 2023.
The scheme will be delivered by local renewable energy solutions specialists FES Support Services Ltd on behalf of Scottish Water Horizons and will join a growing portfolio of water and waste water treatment works that are now either self-sufficient or partly sufficient in generating their own power requirements.
Construction of this innovative scheme is well underway and involves the installation of a hydro turbine at Hamilton Waste Water Treatment Works in South Lanarkshire.
The scheme is being led by Scottish Water's commercial subsidiary Scottish Water Horizons and is expected to generate 0.42GWh of green electricity each year – the equivalent of boiling around 1,800,000 kettles a year – and offset 13 per cent of the treatment works' annual electricity demand.
It will be the first pre-fabricated hydro scheme to be installed 'mid process' at a waste water treatment works in the UK, with waste water flowing through a hydro-electric generator within the pipeline of the plant.
The hydro turbine is anticipated to cut carbon emissions by around 64 tonnes each year, the same amount as a passenger jet flying from Glasgow to Sydney, Australia 13 times.
-- Advertisement --
Neil Beaumont, Horizons Hydro Energy Team Lead, said: "Scottish Water has a vast array of land, property, and operational assets that offer enormous potential when it comes to renewables. We need to be open to fresh ideas and bold in our delivery when it comes to achieving our green energy ambitions.
"Until recently, all previous hydro efforts have concentrated on harnessing energy from our water assets. Now we're looking at more creative ways to generate energy and lower our carbon emissions. By adopting a non-traditional approach such as that at Hamilton Treatment Works, we can identify opportunities to further optimise generation and tap into significant potential across Scotland.
"This novel approach will also go a long way towards helping Scottish Water achieve net zero emissions by 2040 and beyond, deliver service excellence, and create greener communities."
The innovative hydro scheme is expected to be up and running by the end of autumn 2023. Even prior to commissioning, it has been shortlisted for two categories at the Water Industry Awards which take place in Birmingham on 29 June, 2023.
The scheme will be delivered by local renewable energy solutions specialists FES Support Services Ltd on behalf of Scottish Water Horizons and will join a growing portfolio of water and waste water treatment works that are now either self-sufficient or partly sufficient in generating their own power requirements.
Latest Construction News
07/02/2025
Kier Construction has been awarded a £683.8m contract by the Scottish Government to deliver a new, state-of-the-art prison in Glasgow.
The new prison, HMP Glasgow, will replace the existing HMP Barlinnie, which was built in 1880 and has been deemed unfit for purpose.
"It's an honour to be awarded
07/02/2025
Stirling Council has approved a 7.2% rent increase for council tenants for the 2025/26 financial year. The increase will generate approximately £18.5 million, which will be reinvested in the council's housing stock.
The decision follows a consultation with tenants, with 61% of respondents supportin
07/02/2025
Shetland Islands Council is once again seeking the input of local residents on a range of community issues as part of the 'Our Place – Your Say' project.
The project, which was last conducted in 2016, aims to gather public opinion on 15 key themes, including transport, housing, community safety, an
07/02/2025
Essential maintenance works have been announced for the Halbeath Road in Dunfermline, with the aim of improving the road surface and traffic flow.
The project, which is scheduled to begin on 24 February and last until March 14, 2025, will involve resurfacing the road from Garvock Bank Railway Bridg
07/02/2025
East Lothian Council's Planning Committee has approved a proposed response to plans for a battery storage facility at Cockenzie, subject to conditions.
The application for the facility, which consists of 140 lithium-ion battery containers, requires the consent of Scottish Ministers and is being pro
07/02/2025
Scottish Borders Housing Association (SBHA) has unveiled twelve new sustainable homes at Fairhurst Drive in Burnfoot, marking the completion of a significant development project.
The new homes, a mix of one- and two-bedroom bungalows and two- and three-bedroom family houses, have been designed to m
07/02/2025
Scottish Renewables has launched the second year of its New Voices Campaign, a programme designed to equip professionals from diverse backgrounds with the skills and confidence to become influential voices within the renewable energy sector.
The campaign aims to build a more diverse and inclusive w
07/02/2025
Glasgow City Council has approved the investigation of the use of Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) powers to acquire the Egyptian Halls on Union Street.
The historic building, designed by renowned architect Alexander 'Greek' Thomson, has remained largely vacant for over 30 years and is currently in
07/02/2025
Amey, on behalf of Transport Scotland, will commence essential bridge joint replacement works on the M8 Kingston Bridge Complex from Monday 10th February.
The works, which will involve overnight road closures, are scheduled to continue until 24th February.
"Starting Monday 3rd February 2025, Amey
07/02/2025
Network Rail has commenced work on the installation of a new footbridge at Clarkston station as part of a major electrification project on the line between East Kilbride and Glasgow.
The £140 million project, which is central to the Scottish Government's strategy to decarbonise passenger services,
