A refurbished sewage treatment site near Wantage will be sustained by solar power thanks to the Vale of White Horse District Council.
The treatment plant – owned and managed by the council – serves around 31 properties in the village of Sparsholt. The equipment at the site was nearing end-of-life and needed an upgrade.
Contractors replaced the treatment plant, pump station and pipework and constructed a new road to provide improved access for tankers to empty the plant.
They also installed 22 solar panels at the site, and these will generate the majority of electricity required to run the treatment unit and pump. It is estimated that these will save two tonnes of carbon emissions each year.
Andrew Busby, Vale of White Horse District Council’s Head of Corporate landlord said, “It was great news that we were able to add the solar panels to this refurbishment project, helping the council towards its net zero goals.
While the site still requires a backup mains electric supply, most of the electricity needed will be produced by the solar panels. And on very sunny days we are planning to sell excess energy back to the grid.”
