Renewables cuts halt Affinity Water solar plans

Affinity Water has for a second time been forced to shelve plans to install solar at its operational sites, following proposed cuts to Government subsidies for renewables.

The water company developed a project in 2011 to install 50kW solar across 10 of its pumping stations, but had to scrap plans after external funding was withdrawn due to changes in Government policy.

Following the threat of further cuts this year, the firm has once again had to abandon its plans, but expects to invest in solar when “reduced capital costs negate the requirement for subsidies”.

An Affinity Water spokesperson told Utility Week: “We are keen to invest in renewable energy to help us limit our carbon footprint where there are opportunities to do so.

“We have considered all forms of renewable energy and energy reduction opportunities across our sites. However, due to our geography, we have very limited options for hydro turbine and onshore wind turbines.”

The group said it will continue to invest in the energy efficiency of its water supply network and pumping systems. “[This] is a cost effective investment to reduce energy use and maintain the resilience of our assets for our customers,” it added.

Affinity is not the only water company to be affected by changes to Government subsidies. Yesterday, South West Water told Utility Week cuts to the Feed-in Tariff could put “significant pressure” on its £18 million renewable energy investment plans.

It said wind, solar and hydro account for £11 million of the total £18 million investment planned, but warned that the proposed closure of the FiT to new applicants by January 2016, or a cap on new FiT expenditure, would put significant pressure on its future investment plans.