West of Ireland group water scheme launches new solar panel project
A group water scheme (GWS) in Connaught has become the first in Ireland to use solar energy to directly power its water treatment plant, meaning the site will now be able to reduce energy costs by 70% and cut carbon emissions.
Polecat Springs GWS, working with Clár ICH, Eco Smart and Veolia, installed the photovoltaic (PV) system which will directly help the environment by reducing CO2 emissions and will enable the local community to benefit from water treatment cost savings.
Polecat Springs GWS supplies water to rural properties covering 80 square kilometres around Co. Roscommon and operates as a community co-operative. Installation of the new solar panels means electricity generated on site, which was previously drawn from the national grid, will now be used to power the various stages of the water treatment process.
According to Martin Beirne of Polecat Springs GWS, solar energy was chosen as it provided the best solution due to the location of the site and the amount of electricity required. In addition, there is also the future possibility to integrate battery storage at the site, which has the potential to make the water treatment plant 100% self-sufficient.
Operated under a contract by Veolia, the project has been supported by the Federation Of Group Water Schemes and has been backed by a Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland grant covering 50% of the investment. The resultant energy cost savings will enable the project to pay for itself within six years.
Pat Lavin of Eco Smart, which worked with Veolia to deliver the project, said: “The principle aims of this project were to reduce the GWS’s carbon footprint, reduce energy and running costs at the plant, and set an example for other similar schemes in terms of sustainable development and operations for water treatment plants.”
Joe Higgins, regional director, Veolia added: “While developments similar to the one at Polecat Springs have been done at a municipal level, this is the first GWS that is using solar energy to power its water treatment plant operations. Veolia is delighted to have been involved in the project and we hope that more water schemes will invest in sustainable energy in the future.”
According to the National Federation of Group Water Schemes, there are approximately 50 group water schemes in Co. Mayo.