Northumbrian Water has invested £1.3 million in installing a hydro-electric generation unit as its Mosswood Water Treatment Works in County Durham. Capable of generating 185kw of energy, the unit will provide enough power to meet a third of the plant’s annual electricity needs, equivalent to 300 homes.

The hydro power unit will save Northumbrian Water around £200,000 a year on its electricity bills, as well as helping the firm meet its commitment to reducing its carbon emissions by 35% by 2020.

The Mosswood project builds on Northumbrian Water’s other renewable energy initiatives, which include installing hydro-electric technologies at two other water treatment plants and at Kielder Water reservoir. The award-winning company also operates a large anaerobic digestion unit, with a second under construction, and is exploring the possibilities of producing energy from sewage treatment residues.

Wilding says: ‘It is very interesting to hear about the innovative approach companies like Northumbrian Water are taking towards renewable energy generation. As well as saving money and making themselves more self-sufficient, their ground-breaking work could well inform larger-scale projects in the future – benefiting people across the UK.’

Sources: Bdaily Business Network