World Earth Day is April 22nd and under the theme “Our Power, Our Planet”, NI Water is highlighting how its commitment to deliver a net zero, climate resilient future is seeing practical transformation in action. 

From renewable generation to nature-based solutions alongside smarter, more efficient energy use, NI Water’s work in this space continues to grow with large and small projects making a difference to power real change.

NI Water is responsible for delivering clean, safe drinking water and wastewater services to almost 1.9 million people across Northern Ireland. The company operates thousands of assets, including treatment works, pumping stations, reservoirs and an extensive network of water and sewer pipes.

NI Water’s Head of Transformation and Innovation Programme Delivery, Mark Fitzgerald explains how NI Water is exploring and progressing new technologies to support the company’s clean energy ambitions.

Mark said: “Delivering safe, clean drinking water every day requires a significant amount of energy, so it’s vital we continue to invest in renewable energy and efficiency solutions wherever we can. From major solar projects at our treatment works to smaller, targeted schemes in local catchments, we are using our power more responsibly to protect water quality, reduce carbon emissions and support the environment.”

A key part of NI Water’s approach to renewable energy and sustainability is the use of solar power on its operational sites and within local catchments. NI Water operates around 69 solar installations across its water and wastewater treatment plants, with work under way on a major solar project at North Down Wastewater Treatment Works in Donaghadee.

The Donaghadee project will see around 3,354 solar panels installed, providing a combined maximum output of 2MW – equivalent to the annual electricity use of around 655 homes. It is anticipated that all the green energy produced will be used on site to reduce energy consumption, costs and carbon emissions. The latest project joins completed solar schemes across several sites including Antrim, Ballymena, Drumaroad, Magilligan, Derg, Limavady and Killyhevlin in 2025.

Renewable energy is also supporting improvements in water quality beyond NI Water treatment plants. 

NI Water recently reported the success of its Farming for Water Scheme at the Clay Lake catchment in Keady, Co Armagh, where solar technology played a practical role in protecting local watercourses. As part of the initiative, seven solar‑powered livestock drinkers were installed, preventing animals from accessing nearby streams.

The scheme focused on improving the quality of raw water in the Clay Lake and Gentle Owens watercourses, which supply drinking water to around 4,000 people, while also supporting a range of aquatic species and wildlife. Prior to the scheme, water abstracted from Clay Lake required additional treatment to remove harmful pollutants before it could be supplied as drinking water.

Other renewable and low‑carbon technologies being explored by NI Water include:

• Industrial batteries and energy storage – Using battery technology to store renewable energy so it can be used when needed, improving reliability and efficiency across sites.
• Green hydrogen technology – Exploring the feasibility of producing green hydrogen using renewable electricity to reduce operational costs and to help decarbonisation of transport all contributing to a more sustainable future.
• Energy‑efficient pumps and equipment – Upgrading pumps and motors to reduce electricity use while maintaining a reliable service for customers.
• Electric vehicles and charging points – Transitioning company vans to electric or hybrid vans and installing charging infrastructure across sites to reduce transport emissions.
• Tree planting – Planting ~1 million trees across NI Water sites to absorb carbon and support biodiversity.

Mark Fitzgerald added: “Together, these projects demonstrate how renewable energy and nature‑based solutions can work hand‑in‑hand to reduce our environmental footprint. Working together with our partners and Government we can continue to seek new ways to help decarbonise our power and strengthen resilience in our operations to benefit customers and the local economy.”  

Ends

For all media enquiries, please contact: press.office@niwater.com