We have successfully invested in solar installations at 64 sites across the region. This includes a major solar farm using c.24,000 panels at our largest electricity consuming water treatment works at Dunore Point in Antrim. As part of our PC21 commitment to double our existing 8MW of solar generation by the end of the Price Control Period we’re exploring installations across our own land, through strategic partnerships and strategic projects.
During the first phase of the project, we’ve installed over 2,000 Solar Photovoltaics (PV) panels across three sites to generate clean electricity and lower our carbon footprint. The on-site roof and ground mounted solar installations were completed at energy intensive sites at Drumaroad Water Treatment Works (WTW), Killyhevlin WTW and Limavady Wastewater Treatment Works (WwTW). The solar panels have a combined capacity of 0.9 Megawatt (MW) of power which will capture the sun’s energy and convert it into electricity which will be consumed on-site reducing demand from the electricity grid.
In 2024, we also completed the installation of a state-of-the-art battery energy storage system at Dunore Point. The battery boasts a 5.6 MWh (megawatt hour) total capacity which will provide greater resilience for both NI Water and the wider network across Northern Ireland. It will store renewable energy generated onsite, avoiding peak tariffs, and enable more capacity for renewables to be connected to the grid. We will be able to provide electricity system services to the national grid operator which in turn has the potential to generate income for NI Water and help offset other costs.
NI Water ‘Shines a Light’ on energy saving solar projects
NI Water Battery Delivers for the Grid