Scottish Water is to invest £9 million in solar energy projects in the next three years.

The deal was drawn up by the utility’s subsidiary Scottish Water Horizons Ltd with the aim of reducing carbon emissions and cutting costs.

A total of 17 companies submitted bids but the funding was eventually awarded to four successful contractors. These were Absolute Solar & Wind Ltd, FES Ltd, Saliis Ltd and Styles & Wood Ltd.

They will use their share of the money to develop, design and install solar panels at Scottish Water’s sites across the country. The firm already owns 24 solar farms.

Parent company Scottish Water has reduced its base electricity consumption by more than 5% since 2010.

Andrew Macdonald, Head of Scottish Water Horizons Ltd, said: “This investment further demonstrates Scottish Water’s commitment to reducing energy costs and ultimately keeping bills as low as possible for customers. Through the use of technologies such as solar panels, several of our water works can now generate at least all, in some cases more, of the energy they need to operate.

“Not only does this benefit Scottish Water but it contributes to national renewable energy targets.”