A newly implemented solar scheme is utilising renewable energy to support essential water services for Scottish Water customers in Penicuik. The project is designed to lower carbon emissions and decrease the facility's dependence on the national grid.

The initiative involved the installation of 372 tank- and ground-mounted solar panels at the Lawhead Treated Water Pumping Station, located on the outskirts of the town. The array is projected to produce approximately 0.15GWh of green electricity annually.

Roughly 67 per cent of the generated renewable power will be consumed directly on site, fulfilling 27 per cent of the pumping station's overall energy needs. Any remaining surplus electricity will be exported back to the national grid to contribute to the wider power supply.

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By increasing its on-site power generation, the facility will benefit from reduced operational costs, enhanced energy resilience, and long-term protection against volatile electricity pricing. Furthermore, the installation will prevent about 28 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent from being emitted each year, lowering the carbon intensity of the station's operations and aiding Scottish Water's target to achieve net zero emissions by 2040.

The solar scheme was delivered by Emtec Energy, with project management overseen by Scottish Water Horizons on behalf of the publicly owned utility.

Ben Anderson, Scottish Water Horizons Project Manager, said: "It is great to see this solar scheme now operational at Lawhead, helping us to generate renewable energy directly where it is needed.

"Projects like this play an important role in reducing carbon emissions while improving long-term energy resilience across our network of sites."

Stuart Scammell, Scottish Water Operations Team Leader, added: "The Lawhead pumping station operates around the clock to help deliver reliable water services, so energy use is a significant factor.

"Having more than a quarter of the site's electricity now coming from renewable energy is a positive step, reducing carbon emissions while supporting the resilience of this vital asset."

The Lawhead development is an element of a broader renewable energy investment strategy being rolled out across various Scottish Water properties, aiming to deliver greener and more resilient services to customers throughout Scotland.