Black & Veatch has been selected by Scottish Water to help develop hydroelectric power generating capabilities at a number of the utility’s raw water and treated potable water locations.
“Black & Veatch has a 40-year history of planning and executing renewable energy projects, thus we are well placed to help clients generate energy from water,” Director of Capital Delivery Steve Canney said. “Through maximized use of existing assets, we will further enhance the sustainable benefits of these schemes for Scottish Water.”
The plan is part of an ambitious Scottish Water initiative intended to help lower operating expenditure by replacing energy currently purchased from the national grid with its own.
According to the utility, as many as 9,500 MWh per year could be generated by Black & Veatch’s retrofits.
“We currently have 10 hydro schemes in operation, while 41 other sites are in development,” Scottish Water senior project manager Iain McMillan said. “The project forms a key component of Scottish Water’s climate change strategy and efforts to reduce our carbon footprint.”
Black & Veatch said one of the primary challenges it will face throughout the project is installing new equipment in existing infrastructure without interrupted water service.
HydroWorld.com reported that Scottish Water announced the US$31 million plan in January 2012 when it announced the identification of generating sites in areas including Lanarkshire, the Borders, Stirlingshire, Angus and Fife
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