Overview
Clifton Marsh Wastewater Treatment Works is a 1.3 MW solar PV facility in the United Kingdom, operated by United Utilities. It supports renewable energy generation at a water treatment site.
Clifton Marsh Wastewater Treatment Works is a solar photovoltaic (PV) facility located in the United Kingdom, with an installed capacity of 1.3 megawatts. Owned and operated by United Utilities, the facility is integrated into a wastewater treatment site, reflecting the growing trend of co-locating renewable energy with water infrastructure. The facility operates under the United Kingdom's renewable energy framework, which includes the Contracts for Difference (CfD) scheme and the Renewable Obligation (RO) program. Solar PV systems of this scale are typical for commercial and industrial applications, contributing to the UK's target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The 1.3 MW capacity places it in the small-to-medium scale range for solar installations. By generating clean electricity on-site, Clifton Marsh reduces the carbon footprint of wastewater treatment operations and lowers energy costs. The facility supports grid decarbonization and demonstrates how utility companies can integrate renewable energy into existing infrastructure to meet sustainability goals.
Environmental context
The facility is located in a region with moderate solar irradiance typical of the UK. Solar PV installations on treatment works utilize otherwise unused land or rooftops, minimizing land-use conflicts. The renewable energy generated displaces fossil fuel-based electricity, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and local air pollutants. Careful siting avoids ecological disruption, and the integration with water treatment aligns with circular economy principles.
Frequently asked questions
Clifton Marsh Wastewater Treatment Works is located in the United Kingdom, at coordinates 53.751100, -2.825900. It is operated by United Utilities.
The facility has a solar PV capacity of 1.3 megawatts (MW), which is typical for a commercial-scale installation integrated with a wastewater treatment plant.
The UK supports solar PV through the Contracts for Difference (CfD) scheme and the Renewable Obligation (RO) program, which provide financial incentives for renewable electricity generation.
Solar PV on treatment sites reduces reliance on grid electricity, lowers carbon emissions, and utilizes existing land without additional environmental impact, supporting the UK's net-zero targets.
The facility is owned and operated by United Utilities, a major water and wastewater company in the UK, as part of their renewable energy strategy.