Scottish Water sets out renewables route map to net-zero emissions
More renewable energy, tree planting and peat bog restoration will help Scottish Water reach net-zero by 2040,
the organisation has said. Scotland's biggest user of energy has set out its plan for decarbonising five years ahead
of the government's target. It says a huge shift to green electricity requires major investment and bills will have
to go up.
It comes as the Scottish government sets out legislation requiring public bodies to set net-zero target dates.
More than a billion litres of water is consumed daily in Scotland and shifting it around uses lots of energy.
The whole operation generates about 250,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide (equivalent) - the same as 40,000 car
journeys around the world.
But already some sites, like the Erskine waste water treatment works, are being redesigned to be powered by
solar panels. Others facilities are being replaced with ones using more efficient treatment methods.
Scottish water operates 239 drinking water treatment works and 1,827 waste water sites across Scotland.
It plans to power all of them from renewables within the next 20 years. Chief executive Douglas Millican said:
"This will not be easy. We have a substantial emissions footprint due to the large amounts of electricity and
chemicals we use.
"This route map is about doing everything possible to minimise the emissions associated with our activities,
irrespective of where they are generated, and maximise the positive contribution we can make."
Ministers have laid legislation before parliament requiring public bodies to set a date for reaching net-zero.
The law will cover the Scottish government, local authorities and organisations like Police Scotland and
the fire service.
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