Hamilton’s Wastewater Treatment Works plays a crucial part in keeping our waterways clean.

This investment by Scottish Water Horizons sees a first of its kind (in the UK) hydropower turbine installed mid process. The project will offset around 13% of the treatment work’s annual electricity demand, further supporting Scottish Water’s drive to achieve net zero emissions by 2040.

FES Group was delighted to be awarded the contract as Principal Contractor for the design and build of this hydropower scheme via a competitive tendering process.  As Principal Contractor, FES Group was responsible for all site operations, including set up, site rules, traffic management and welfare etc. as detailed in the Construction Phase Plan. This detailed plan ensured that all works were delivered safely and with minimum disruption to the day-to-day operations of the Wastewater Treatment Works.

Project Description

Construction of a hydro turbine generation scheme on the existing ‘flow to final settlement’ transfer pipe within Hamilton WWTW. The scheme is based on connecting a turbine and associated generator to the existing pipeline by creating a bypass to the turbine.

The draught tube, tailrace and turbine outlet was connected back into the existing transfer channel via a newly built channel which carries the flow to the final settlement tanks. The power generated from the scheme was connected back into the works at a local electrical switchboard.

FES Group provided the following services: detailed design, procurement, supply, delivery to site, offloading, moving into position, erection, construction, installation, site testing, commissioning, connections and G99 certificate and hand over to Scottish Water Horizons.

Sustainability

The scheme will:

• generate 0.42GWh of green energy p.a. (the equivalent of boiling 1.8 million kettles)
• save 64 tonnes of emissions p.a. (the equivalent of 13 flights from Glasgow – Sydney)
• offset around 13% of the site’s energy demand

Prefabrication

The turbine came as a prefabricated containerised solution. Prefabrication was used to reduce the carbon footprint associated with the construction of the scheme, reduce health and safety hazards associated with onsite installation and condense the time required on site.

Communication

Through the construction phase, we provided the client with fortnightly progress reports and programme updates. This regular communication was invaluable to building good relations and minimising disruption to day-to-day site operations.

Collaborative Working

Collaborative working is an integral part of every project throughout the Scottish Water Horizons framework. As we have done on other similar client frameworks, FES works were fully integrated with the client team.

 As part of the project and Scottish Water requirements, FES completed with Scottish Water and their technical teams, HAZOP and HAZCON reviews to ensure the design would not impact existing site operations.

 The FES team worked in a spirit of partnership working and collaboration with the client and wider project team to ensure a successful project delivery. Like any project, there were challenges to be overcome but there was nothing insurmountable for the FES team.

Outcome

The hydropower scheme at Hamilton was delivered on time and on budget.  There were zero accidents on the project. The scheme joins a growing portfolio of Scottish Water’s assets (water and wastewater treatment works) that are now either self-sufficient or partly sufficient in generating their own power requirements.

Client Feedback

“As a long-standing partner, FES Group has consistently demonstrated invaluable expertise in delivering complex projects.

“The successful installation of the UK’s first mid-process hydropower turbine at Hamilton Wastewater Treatment Works is testament to their capability. Their detailed planning, robust safety protocols and collaborative approach were critical to the project’s success.

“Despite challenges such as weather-dependent shutdowns, FES Group effectively overcame obstacles to ensure timely delivery.

“The innovative solution now offsets 13% of our site’s energy demand, supporting our net zero goals. We appreciate FES Group’s dedication to sustainability, and we look forward to future collaborations.”

Neil Beaumont, Senior Project Manager at Scottish Water Horizons