HBS New Energies lands Welsh Water solar contract

HBS New Energies has been awarded a new contract to install rooftop solar arrays across six Welsh Water sites.

The contract will see HBS New Energies conduct feasibility, design, supply, installation and commissioning of the solar arrays as part of the first phase of Welsh Water’s Glas Advantage Renewable Energy Programme.

HBS told Solar Power Portal that the systems are to vary in capacity up to 250kW.

Construction at the first water treatment facility is already underway, with all solar systems to be operational by the end of March 2019.

HBS New Energies has previously worked on similar projects with Anglian Water, installing solar arrays at sites in Shenfield, Hutton and across Lincolnshire.

Solar installations on water utility sites are on the rise, with HBS New Energies alone having partnered with United Utilities, Bristol Water and Northumbrian Water, in part due to the high energy requirements of these sites, with Welsh Water shelling out £44 million a year on energy bills.

The company hopes that these new solar installations will help to achieve their goal of becoming energy neutral by 2050. Welsh Water currently generates more than 25% of its energy needs through solar, wind, hydro, and advance anaerobic digestion technologies.

HBS New Energies managing director, James Bull, said: “We’re delighted to be supporting Welsh Water in the delivery of this solar programme to provide considerable energy and carbon savings across their operations. 

“The roll out of rooftop solar installations will help Welsh Water take a step closer to achieving their energy reduction targets and reduce operating costs.”