Renewable energy

We're looking for new, sustainable ways to use natural resources.  Over the last 5 years, we've increased our renewable energy generation by 685% meaning we now produce 8% of our own electricity needs, a figure we aim to increase to 10% by 2010. 

We generate renewable energy from a number of sources including hydro-electric and combined heat and power (CHP) plants. Combined heat and power provides the majority of our energy generation and utilises the waste gas from our waste water treatment process. This gas is used to fuel a generator which provides significant amounts of electricty and heat for our waste water treatment works. Wind turbines have been built at our Loftsome Brdige site near Howden and at Hull Waste Water Treatment Works at Saltend. The turbine in Hull reduces our carbon emissions at site by around 1,150 tonnes of carbon dioxide every year - the equivalent of taking 20% of our fleet cars and vans off the road.

Our work on energy management and performance has been recognised nationally through successful accreditation under the Carbon Trust's Energy Efficiency Accreditation Scheme (EEAS).

We understand customers have mixed feelings about wind turbines. However, we always consult with local residents and environmental groups before they're erected.

Case Study - Loftsome Bridge, near Selby  

We installed two wind turbines to provide an average of a third of our energy needs for the site. 

Firstly, we erected a weather monitor at the works to see if it was feasible to generate enough wind power and measured noise levels at different wind speeds. We then consulted with local residents, councillors and community groups. We also liaised with English Nature to ensure local birds would not be affected.

We were given permission to install two 90m wind turbines to provide an average of a third of our energy needs for the site.

We enlisted the help of Year 5 pupils from Howden Junior School to name the turbines and the top six made it through to a grand final. Customers were then invited to choose from Bladespinner, Henry, Windy Wendy, Storm Force 3, Windy Miller and Turby, and voted for Windy Miller and Turby

The competition helped bring the turbines to life for local children and they used it as an opportunity to learn more about renewable energy. The youngsters came along to the official opening with Minister of State for the Environment, Phil Woolas.

Samantha Sully and Alexander Wedlock came up with the winning names for the turbines and posters designed by them have been made into large signs which will become permanent fixtures at Loftsome Bridge Water Treatment Works.