Green Limerick: Getting water from the sun

IRISH WATER is leading the way in Limerick with one of the first solar panel powered wastewater treatment plants in the country.

It is over two years since Irish Water began its sustainable energy pilot project at the Newcastle West Wastewater Treatment Plant, and the results are in.

As part of Science Week, the man leading the Irish Water Sustainability plan, environmental science graduate from UL, Charlie Coakley, takes a look at how the Newcastle West Wastewater Treatment Plant is operating and reducing energy consumption; and offers a few tips on how we can all be more sustainable.

The aim of the project was to reduce the carbon footprint of the West Limerick Treatment Plant through a sustainable energy pilot project, generating renewable energy for the plant.

“The Newcastle West plant is amongst the first in Ireland to use clean, sustainable solar energy at the plant, reducing carbon emissions and improving energy efficiency,” Charlie said.

The pilot project involved installing 112 solar panels on the grounds of the plant.

The solar panels generate 26,500 kWh (kilowatt hours) of electricity annually, enough to power six homes for a year. It provides a clean, renewable and secure supply of energy for the plant and reduces carbon emissions.

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The generation of clean, renewable energy has led to a reduction in imported electricity required at the plant and as a result, over 20 additional solar projects will begin in 2023.

“Treating wastewater requires a huge amount of energy. Irish Water is one of the largest energy users in the country,” Charlie stated.

He stressed that significant progress has been made by Irish Water on the journey to become an energy efficient, low carbon, sustainable water utility.

So far, it has achieved over 34% improvement in energy efficiency performance against a 2009 baseline, saving 120,000T carbon. We are on track for our 50% energy efficiency target by 2030, Charlie noted.

However, he warned: “The consequences of climate change for our planet are far reaching, with significant impacts on water resources and infrastructure.”

Charlie (pictured) believes that Ireland is rising to the challenge of climate breakdown in aiming for net zero carbon by 2040 and that Irish Water is leading by example.

This is through improving the sustainability of water services and wider society, contributing to national targets, for the benefit of our planet and humanity.

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Speaking about how we can all play our part in climate change and become more sustainable, Charlie said: “The challenge of climate change can seem daunting and sometimes leads to an overwhelming feeling. The question is often asked ‘what difference I can make, as I am only small in the scheme of a global crisis’.”

He believes there is so much more we can do that has a real impact, through what he terms the ‘multiplier effect.’

“There are also so many ways to be sustainable with water with a small amount of planning,” he said.

For example, using a full load in the dishwasher/washing machine, keeping the tap off whilst cleaning your teeth, having shorter showers, there is no need to flush every time you pee, or just flushing once or twice a day.

“Irish Water put a big focus on the Think before You Flush programme, where we work with An Tasice to educate people on why pee, paper and poo are the only things that should go down the loo. Nothing else. Everything else should go in the bin.

“By ensuring we all do this, we can reduce sewer blockages, reduce risk of flooding to homes and businesses and reduce the risk of pollution in the environment harming wildlife, such as fish and birds and associated habitats,” Charlie concluded.

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