Scottish Water's ground-breaking hydropower trial could unlock a largely overlooked source of renewable energy already flowing through the UK’s infrastructure every day — with potential benefits for both net zero and long-term energy security.
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The Fish Friendly Hydropower Company (FFH) and WGM Engineering, in collaboration with Scottish Water, are partnering to trial a pioneering “plug-and-play” hydropower system for use across water and wastewater sites.
The project, currently underway at Scottish Water’s Shieldhall Wastewater Treatment Works in Glasgow, will see the installation of a PicoStream floating turbine — an innovative, low-impact technology designed to generate renewable electricity from existing water and wastewater flows.
The pilot project originated from a collaboration facilitated by the Hydro Nation Chair involving Scottish Water, WGM Engineering, Zero Waste Scotland, RMAS, Edinburgh and Stirling universities and focused on exploring circular economy-based innovation and technology in the water and wastewater sector.
The innovative PicoStream turbine was identified as a potential source of continuous renewable energy, generated from inter-process flows, without significant infrastructure or civil modifications, and a trial of the technology is now underway.
An Overlooked Source of Renewable Energy
Across the UK, billions of litres of water move through pipes, channels and treatment works every day — yet very little of this energy is currently captured.
Unlike solar and wind, which are weather-dependent, water flows continuously, offering a source of predictable, 24/7 renewable energy that can support the UK’s energy resilience.
The PicoStream system sits within existing water channels, generating electricity from inter-process flows that would otherwise be lost — and can be rapidly deployed with no major infrastructure or disruption.
From Homes to Infrastructure
Scottish Water says the trial marks a key step forward — moving from smaller domestic installations into live wastewater infrastructure and opening the door to wider deployment across the UK. Thousands of Water and Wastewater sites — as well as mill races, weirs, and fast-flowing river channels — could offer similar opportunities. Because the system operates within existing flows and avoids major structural changes, it can be deployed quickly and, in many cases, without the need for a full Environment Agency licence.
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Sam Maitland, Managing Director, Fish Friendly Hydropower Company Ltd, said:
“This trial is a major step forward in demonstrating how simple, low-impact hydropower can play a meaningful role in the transition to net zero. There is huge, untapped energy in water infrastructure, and technologies like PicoStream allow us to capture that energy quickly, cost-effectively, and with minimal disruption.
“It is great working with WGM Engineering in close collaboration with Scottish Water who, I believe, are leading the charge to Net Zero within the UK water sector.”
Jason Cramb – Director, WGM Engineering Ltd, said:
“WGM are thrilled to be partnering with FFH to deliver this pioneering and sustainable technology to the water industry and showcasing how innovation, engineering expertise and new technology can come together to unlock practical renewable energy solutions.”
Fraser Simpson, Scottish Water, Product Owner, Major Projects, said:
“Scottish Water is committed to exploring innovative solutions that help reduce our carbon footprint while continuing to deliver high quality, reliable services on our journey towards Net Zero.”
Source: Water Magazine