Power plans in pipeline at water firm

A £20 million scheme to generate electricity from flowing water through large supply pipes has been announced by Scottish Water.

Lothian and Borders is among 30 sites identified as suitable for the hydro-power plans that could protect water treatment plants from power failures.

The work is expected to reduce power costs for water treatment by ten per cent.

Ian McMillan, who is leading the building programme for Scottish Water’s capital investment and delivery division, said the plans would “substantially reduce [the firm’s] carbon footprint”.

He said: “This is nothing new – our asset base is already generating five per cent of our power requirements across Scotland and the investment will double that output. We’ve identified a number of potential sites and these will be whittled down to the best 20 or so small hydro schemes.

“We are working closely with the national park authorities, community councils, power companies and planning officials to make sure these small hydro turbines have minimal effect on the landscape.”