Scottish Water fits pipe network with turbine to reduce energy bill

Scottish Water has installed a turbine into its pipe network which will reduce the amount of electricity it will need to buy from National Grid.

The turbine, which is capable of producing 600Mwh of electricity each year, is located in a strategic trunk water main at Denny, near Falkirk. The water company claims it will harness enough renewable energy to power up to 150 homes. 

The technology, known as Difgen, can be installed where the flow of water needs to be controlled by installing a pressure reducing valve. A turbine recovers the lost pressure and turns it into energy. 

This is the latest renewable energy project to reduce Scottish Water’s energy bill. It already has 10 hydro schemes in operation, while 23 other sites, either hosting hydro or Difgen technologies are in development. 

Douglas Millican, chief executive of Scottish Water, said: “This is an exciting development for Scottish Water. The Difgen turbine at Denny – the first of its kind to be installed in the UK – reduces pressure and harnesses the natural power of water flowing through pipes to produce renewable energy. 

“As a significant user of energy, with an abundance of assets such as reservoirs and treatment works, this is an excellent example of Scottish Water supporting the development of a low carbon economy, using our water resources to maximum effect.”