Friday 27 May 2016

Solar energy to save Northumbrian Water £386,000

A 943-panel solar array has been installed at one of Northumbrian Water’s sites.

The project has been developed as part of a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Lightsource Renewable Energy, which fully funded and designed it.

Lightsource claims the project at Bran Sands wastewater treatment plant in Middlesbrough – which serves around 300,000 customers - is on course to meet the projected savings of £6,353 in the first year.

Total cost reductions of more than £386,000 have been projected over 20 years.

The 250KW project is also expected to lead to carbon savings equivalent to taking 24 cars off the road annually.

Steve Coverdale, Bran Sands Plant Manager said: “By installing solar energy at Bran Sands, we can continue to move from being a net importer of energy to parity or even one day a slight exporter.  The panels will provide performance data that is specific to our region that will help to evaluate the value of further roll-out across our North East estate.”

Thames Water has also signed a PPA with Lightsource, which installed Europe's largest floating solar array in the UK.

If you missed our webinar last week, you can hear all about private wire PPAs and how large energy users can save money whilst getting secure and sustainable energy here.