renewable energy potential but also showcases the possibilities for similar installations across the industry.”
A first of its kind for waste water
hydropower The Hamilton WwTW project is the UK’s first mid-process waste water hydropower installation, optimising energy potential from waste water flows. Unlike traditional hydropower projects that focus on raw or clean water sources, this scheme demonstrates that renewable generation opportunities exist even in less conventional areas of water treatment. Additionally, it is Scotland’s first containerised
hydropower installation, reducing construction emissions, cost and time while offering a scalable model for future installations across other waste water sites and even in industries such as petrochemicals. Ian Piggott, Senior Delivery Project Manager at Scottish Water Horizons, said: “This is the first time a hydropower system has been installed mid-process in a waste water treatment works in the UK. It’s a significant milestone in demonstrating how we can recover renewable energy from waste water flows in a way that hasn’t been done before.”
Technical overview of the Hamilton
Hydropower Scheme Located in South Lanarkshire, near Glasgow, Hamilton WwTW serves approximately 57,000 people. The site features waste water treatment processes such as screening, grit removal, primary settlement, aeration, and final settlement before effluent returns to the River Clyde. The aeration tanks, which are relatively new, sit elevated above the rest of the site, offering a unique opportunity to capture energy from falling waste water. The Hamilton hydropower project captures energy
from waste water as it flows from the aeration tanks to the final settlement stage. A hydro turbine was installed at a location offering a head of 10 metres, extended to 11.5 metres with a draft tube, and an average annual flow of 432 litres per second.
Above: Above-ground aeration lines
Right, top to bottom: Turbine container onsite with thrust restraint in progress
Cross-flow turbine from CINK Hydro-Energy Old flume removal Temporary flume in situ
The system generates 48kW of renewable electricity, which powers treatment processes on-site, reducing reliance on grid electricity and lowering carbon emissions.
Overcoming challenges and
engineering success Installing a mid-process turbine required careful integration to avoid disruption to site operations. To ensure seamless functionality, several safeguards were implemented:
A level sensor was installed in the aeration tanks to ensure that water levels remained stable, preventing overflow or depletion. A bypass valve was introduced to allow flows exceeding turbine capacity to be redirected safely, ensuring seamless treatment operations. An automatic fail-safe mechanism was implemented so that if any mechanical issues arise, the bypass valve would immediately open, allowing uninterrupted flow to the settlement tanks. Beaumont continued: “One of the biggest challenges was ensuring that the turbine integrated smoothly within the existing waste water treatment process. By designing the system with built-in safeguards, we’ve ensured that it won’t impact site operations, even in variable flow conditions.” An additional benefit of the project was the aeration effect created as waste water passes through the turbine. This process naturally oxygenates the
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