Official Switch On for £3m green Hydro Energy Scheme at East Lothian Reservoir

“It is very encouraging to hear how Scottish Water is leading the way on these types of renewables projects, not just in the UK but in Europe too.””

Paul McLennan
MSP for East Lothian

Scottish Water's groundbreaking hydro scheme at Whiteadder Reservoir has been officially switched on this week.

East Lothian MSP Paul McLennan joined chief executive of Scottish Water Alex Plant and members of the project and delivery teams to push the button on the new scheme, marking a new greener chapter in distributing water for treatment from the reservoir.

Believed to be the first of its kind in Europe, the project is expected to offset almost a third of the energy used by one of East Lothian’s largest pumping stations, named Hungry Snout.

It takes around 32 million litres of water per day from the reservoir to Castle Moffat Water Treatment Works, where it then goes on to supply most of the East Lothian region with drinking water.

Through the use of siphon technology, water is drawn up through the intake and over the top of the dam before running down the siphon, through the hydro turbine, and back to the natural environment. This allows green energy to be generated while also accurately controlling the level of the reservoir during seasonal fluctuations in weather.

Mr McLennan said: “I am delighted to be here today to push the button on the hydro turbine and officially switch on this pioneering technology. It has been great to have the opportunity to see it in person and very encouraging to hear how Scottish Water is leading the way on these types of renewables projects, not just in the UK but in Europe too.”

Scottish Water’s Chief Executive Alex Plant said: “This hydro scheme is a great example of the innovation that we are trying to foster at Scottish Water and how we can make use of our assets in a way which helps propel us towards our net zero target of 2040.

“Not only will the renewable energy generated from this scheme help to power the Hungry Snout pumping station, but it also means we are freeing up energy from the grid in an area where demand for power often outstrips capacity which is a positive thing for the local communities here.”

The project was led by Scottish Water Horizons, the public utility’s commercial subsidiary, and delivered by renewable energy specialists Emtec Energy.

Scottish Water Horizons Business Development and Delivery Manager Donald MacBrayne added: “This has been a fantastic project to be a part of and it is exciting to see it officially coming into operation.

“We look forward to developing more innovative renewables schemes like this alongside Scottish Water in the coming years, helping towards achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2040.”