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Water UK Sets 2030 Net Zero Target

 

Water UK, the trade body that represents over 25 water and wastewater companies, has announced it will develop plans to reach net-zero emissions across the entire water sector by 2030.

They have already reduced emissions by 43 per cent since 2011, and increased renewable electricity generation by 40 per cent in the same period, despite population increases and climate change impact.

Water UK worked with consulting agencies Ricardo and Mott MacDonald to work with delegates from the water sector to create a strategy to cut emissions and outline objectives to achieve net-zero.

The aims include cutting methane and other emissions from water treatment processes, improve the efficiency of the processes, and the increasing the use of renewable energy from sources such as solar and anaerobic digestion to create biogas to supply the gas grid.

The full strategy will be published in the summer, with progress on reaching net-zero to be assessed annually. Companies will be encouraged to use the strategies to inform their own climate strategies.

Christine McGourty, Water UK Chief Executive, said: The water industry has made an ambitious pledge to achieve net-zero carbon by 2030. It’s a big challenge, but water companies are committed to protecting and enhancing the environment and intend to be part of the solution to the climate crisis. This new analysis setting out climate-friendly options is an important step forward.”

Martin Currie, Water Quality & Treatment Consultant with Aqueum and Chair of IChemE’s Water SIG, said: It is wonderful to see the UK water industry leading the country with its commitment to net zero emissions by 2030. This follows excellent progress already made.”

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