A significant new solar scheme, valued at £946,000, is now contributing to the provision of clean water for over 700,000 customers in Glasgow. The project, located at the Milngavie Water Treatment Works, has seen the installation of 1,421 roof-mounted solar panels.

These panels are projected to generate 0.75GWh of green energy annually, meeting approximately 8 per cent of the electricity required to power the large-scale treatment works. This substantial renewable energy input is expected to save around 120 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent each year, a reduction comparable to the emissions from 66 return flights from Glasgow to New York. This initiative will make the water treatment process at Milngavie significantly less carbon intensive, aligning with Scottish Water's ambitious goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2040.


The project was spearheaded by Scottish Water Horizons, the publicly owned utility’s commercial subsidiary, and successfully delivered by Emtec Energy.

Keliann Arthur, Project Manager at Scottish Water Horizons, commented on the scheme’s impact: "This scheme represents a major investment in renewables at one of Scottish Water’s largest water treatment works, making a significant impact on the amount of carbon it produces while providing thousands of customers across Glasgow with a vital service. It joins a growing portfolio of solar schemes at Scottish Water sites across the country, as we look to increasingly embed renewable energy generation into the water and wastewater treatment processes."

Daniel Cairney, Scottish Water Senior Operator, added: "The water treatment works at Milngavie is a significant user of energy, helping us to ensure that we provide clean, fresh water to our customers in the Glasgow area. It is great that some of the energy required will now be created and utilised on site, helping to reduce the levels of carbon involved in the water treatment process and helping Scottish Water meet its net zero goals."

The Milngavie Water Treatment Works, a critical part of Glasgow's water infrastructure, treats water primarily from Loch Katrine and supplies a large portion of the city's drinking water. This solar installation is the latest in a series of renewable energy projects undertaken by Scottish Water to decarbonise its operations across Scotland.