One of Scotland's largest solar carports has come online at Scottish Water's headquarters in Stepps, known as The Bridge.

The new 2,250-panel structure will deliver on-site renewable electricity, meeting more than a third of the campus's demand while reducing carbon emissions and energy bills for decades. It transforms existing parking space into a clean-energy asset expected to produce around 0.87 GWh a year — enough to power roughly 320 average UK homes — and to cut emissions by about 160 tonnes annually.

Scottish Water's commercial subsidiary, Scottish Water Horizons, led the scheme with delivery partner OCS.

Scottish Water Horizons Business Development Manager, Donald MacBrayne, said: "The completion of the solar carport at The Bridge is a landmark moment in our renewables programme.

"By making better use of existing space, we have created a significant source of clean electricity that will help power our operations for decades to come while reducing both our carbon footprint and energy costs.

"The carport also uses bifacial solar panels, which can capture light from both sides, helping us get more generation from the same area.

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"It's also been a great example of what can be achieved through close collaboration. The project was delivered on time and within budget, which is a great result for a project of this scale."

Scottish Water General Manager for Net Zero, Elise Cartmell, said: "Projects like this show how climate action can deliver multiple benefits. The solar carport will help reduce emissions, generate renewable energy and support our wider sustainability ambitions.

"It is also an excellent example of how we can integrate environmental improvements into our existing estate while supporting the transition to a more sustainable future."

The project also includes biodiversity measures, with planting and habitat enhancements around the carport to support wildlife and improve the site for people and nature.

Fulton MacGregor, local MSP for Coatbridge and Chryston, said: "This is an impressive investment in renewable energy and a great example of innovative thinking in action.

"By turning a car park into a clean energy generator, Scottish Water is demonstrating how organisations can make better use of existing assets to reduce emissions and contribute to Scotland's climate ambitions. I'm pleased to see this project completed and the benefits it will deliver for years to come."

OCS UK & Ireland, Managing Director, Energy, Graeme Hamilton said: "This was an all-round effort, and everyone involved should be proud of what has been delivered at The Bridge.

"The whole OCS team worked hand in hand with Scottish Water and Scottish Water Horizons, and the finished site reflects the care and commitment that went into it. We are delighted to have played our part in bringing one of Scotland's largest solar carports to life."

The Stepps carport is the first delivered on a Scottish Water site and joins a portfolio of more than 100 solar schemes across the estate, as the utility expands renewables to cut carbon, bolster operational resilience and progress its net zero commitments.