A new technique for measuring emissions from waste water treatment plants is being used in Scotland for the first time.

The infra-red tech can pinpoint tiny molecules of emissions from more than two kilometres away, giving experts a detailed read-out of greenhouse gases to allow them to eliminate them more effectively.

Waste water treatment accounts for most of Scottish Water’s emissions. Targets are in place to become operationally net zero by 2030 and achieve full net zero status by 2040.

The use of Grandperspective’s scanfeld® technology is a sector-first in the UK and will revolutionise understanding of gas emissions and transform treatment processes so they become environmentally sustainable.


Scottish Water operates more than 1800 waste water treatment works in cities, towns and rural communities.

Existing techniques for identifying emissions only allow for localised understanding of emissions. The use of Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) technology will allow for a larger area to be scanned for nitrous oxide, methane and carbon dioxide and the role that treatment works play in emitting them.

The solution being implemented at a WWTW near Glasgow was identified through the Hydro Nation Chair programme, based at Stirling University. Around 200 businesses globally were assessed for their suitability. The HNC Technology programme led by Senior Innovation Fellow David Millar joined forces with Scottish Water’s Net Zero Research and Innovation lead Susan Lee to select the best technology.

Scotland Hydro Nation Chair Professor Andrew Tyler said: "This is an exciting milestone. This UK and sector first deployment of Grandperspective's scanfeld® solution will enhance our understanding of greenhouse gas emissions from waste water treatment processes and establish a baseline against which we can assess change."