| Development at existing sites Waste-powered hydro


Scottish Water completes UK’s first mid-process hydro scheme at Hamilton Waste Water Works, generating green electricity and cutting carbon emissions to drive its net-zero ambitions by 2040


IN A LANDMARK ACHIEVEMENT for both Scottish Water and the UK’s renewable energy landscape, the public utility has successfully completed a pioneering project to generate green electricity from wastewater. Situated at the Hamilton Waste Water Treatment Works (WwTW) in South Lanarkshire, this innovative scheme is the first of its kind in the UK, using a hydro turbine to harness power from wastewater. Not only does it represent a significant step in Scottish Water’s journey towards achieving net zero emissions by 2040, but it also demonstrates the vast, untapped potential of wastewater as a renewable energy source. The installation of this unique hydro turbine is


expected to generate 0.42 GWh of green electricity annually, which equates to around 13% of the Hamilton WsTW’s total energy needs. The project was developed by Scottish Water Horizons, the utility’s commercial subsidiary, and stands as a testament to the bold and creative approaches required to meet ambitious climate targets in the years ahead.


A first for wastewater energy


generation Historically, the hydropower initiatives within Scottish Water have focused on raw and clean water sources. However, this new venture at Hamilton is the first UK project to install a hydroelectric generator “mid- process” within a wastewater treatment facility. Wastewater, typically regarded as a byproduct in need of disposal, is now seen as a valuable resource with the capacity to reduce both carbon emissions and operational costs. The turbine is strategically installed within the


wastewater pipeline at Hamilton WwTW, serving a population of 57,000 people. The wastewater, which has already passed through several treatment stages, flows through the turbine and generates electricity before being released into the River Clyde. This innovative approach not only produces electricity from a previously untapped resource but also optimizes the treatment process itself. Neil Beaumont, Horizons Hydro Energy Team Lead at Scottish Water, underscores the project’s importance: “We are delighted to see this pioneering project now complete and in operation. It is a great example of how Scottish Water is being creative and looking at how we can utilize all the assets across our portfolio to achieve our net zero ambitions.”


Efficiency and sustainability One of the most remarkable features of the Hamilton


hydropower project is its efficiency and minimal environmental impact. The turbine is expected to reduce carbon emissions by around 64 tonnes annually. Additionally, the use of off-site construction methods helped to reduce the carbon footprint associated with the installation of the turbine, while also shortening the time required on-site.


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The turbine itself, a Crossflow design, was selected for its ability to operate efficiently across a wide range of flow rates and its relatively simple maintenance needs. The Crossflow turbine’s design allows it to dislodge debris such as rags that may become stuck on its blades, making it well-suited to handling wastewater, which can often contain such materials. This feature helps reduce maintenance concerns and ensures the turbine operates effectively even when dealing with treated effluent. Moreover, the turbine not only generates electricity but also contributes to the efficiency of the wastewater treatment process. When the effluent passes through the turbine, it becomes aerated, reducing the need for energy-intensive mechanical aeration processes in the plant. This unexpected benefit further lowers the energy consumption of the site, contributing to the overall reduction in operational carbon emissions. Craig Causer, Scottish Water’s Operations Team Lead for the Hamilton site, highlights the significance of the project: “By generating green energy from what is typically regarded as a waste product, we are helping deliver a wastewater service to local communities with a lower carbon footprint. Not only does this help reduce our reliance on grid electricity, but it also helps reduce our on-site energy costs.” The scheme was delivered by FES Support Services Ltd on behalf of Scottish Water Horizons.


Above: Turbine house at the project


Below: The scheme at Hamilton Waste Water Treatment Works is the first of its kind in the UK


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