Northumbrian water is sourcing all its power from Ørsted in a new green electricity deal that started on 1 April. It is one of the biggest contracts the water company has ever awarded.

Ørsted supplies renewable electricity from nine offshore wind farms in the UK. Northumbrian Water uses 100% of its sewage sludge to create energy, through advanced anaerobic digestion, at its treatment works in Howdon,  Tyneside. At Bran Sands, on Teesside, the company has also installed a 931-panel solar array on the roof, and in addition, it is home to England′s largest hydro plant at Kielder Water.

Northumbrian Water′s commercial director, Graham Southall, said: “Energy is an essential part of our business and our contract with Ørsted has enabled us to significantly reduce our carbon footprint, as well as driving down costs.” In 2016, Ørsted also announced that it would supply renewable electricity at no additional cost premium.