10 New Solar Farms At Northumbrian Water Sites
Northumbrian Water is finalising plans to harness its power
to help protect the environment. The utilities firm is drafting in a team of
experts, to install and operate 10 new solar farms at Northumbrian Water (NWG)
sites that will generate 10 gigawatt hours of electrical power - enough to
power more than 3,000 homes.
Earlier this month, Northumbrian Water announced it would
power all 1,858 of its sites using renewable electricity for the next four
years, after signing an agreement with Danish energy supplier Ørsted.
NWG is now building a partnership with Lightsource BP, which
has already started ecological, operational and electrical assessments of water
and sewage works for 10 ground-mount solar photovoltaic systems across its
operating area.
The project will enable the company to take another step towards
carbon neutrality, while reducing its own energy costs.
Graham Southall, NWG Commercial Director, said: "We
have a genuine desire to work with suppliers who share our passion to deliver
excellence across our industry while protecting our planet by reducing our
carbon footprint. This project will deliver a great result for our customers,
the environment and our business."
Lightsource BP has an impressive record of delivering solar
power across Europe, providing sustainable power alongside significant cost
savings to clients.
NWG, which provides water and sewerage services across the
North East of England as well as being the parent company of Essex and Suffolk
Water, was impressed with Lightsource BP's track record of delivery and the
commercial offering.
Lightsource BP is the largest utility-scale solar developer
and largest operations and maintenance services provider in Europe, with over
$3bn of capital invested across 2GW of global solar projects.
It is a global leader in the funding, development and
long-term management of solar PV projects and has worked with many large energy
users and water utilities companies. The firm already has agreements with major
brands like Bentley Motors and Ameycespa.
Chief Executive, Nick Boyle, said: "We are truly
delighted to be appointed as Northumbrian Water's strategic partner in the
delivery of this project.
"Choosing to procure solar electricity in this way will
provide Northumbrian Water with a long-term hedging strategy against rising
costs in today's volatile energy market.
"Solar is a locally generated, cost-competitive,
reliable and clean alternative that will be a good addition to Northumbrian
Water's energy mix. We are looking forward to working with the team to deliver
these 10 sites in the next year."