In line with the DAERA (Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs) Climate Change Act (NI) 2022, NI Water is actively seeking opportunities to reduce its carbon footprint and decrease its reliance on fossil fuels. 

One of the ways in which the company is achieving this is by using greener renewable energy sources such as solar to power its water and wastewater treatment works. 

To date, NI Water has completed solar installations at 67 sites, including a 24,000-panel arrangement at Dunore Water Treatment Works near Antrim. 

Plans are now in place for a solar installation on NI Water land within the North Down Wastewater Treatment Works site, located off the High Bangor Road in Donaghadee.

The 3,354-panel installation will produce 20% of the power required to run the treatment facility, resulting in substantial cost savings to the public purse which can be used for other vital water and wastewater services. The project is due to get underway in early 2026 and will take around six months to complete.

The computer generated (CGI) fly-through video below shows the solar installation and proposed planting within NI Water's North Down WwTW site. (The CGI does not take into account existing planting). 

Please see the project leaflet below for details on what’s involved, the benefits of the installation and the steps being taken to minimise visual impact in the surrounding area.