Thames Water has agreed a five-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with RWE, to source renewable electricity from an onshore wind farm in Scotland. The energy derived from the wind farm will supply up to 15% of Thames Water’s essential services.
The UK’s largest water company uses a mix of self-generated power, green supply contracts and Power Purchase Agreements to power its operations with 100% renewable electricity.
The energy derived from the 50MW onshore wind farm will be used to power sites and operations across the Thames Water network (London and the Thames Valley), which will help the company further reduce its carbon emissions.
The agreement diversifies Thames Water’s electricity supply and supports its aim to buy certified renewable energy to power its sites sustainably. In 2024/25, Thames Water self-generated and used 475.3GWh of renewable energy, covering 25.8% of its own energy needs.
The energy derived from the 50MW onshore wind farm will be used to power sites and operations across the Thames Water network
Looking ahead to 2030, the company plans to reduce its carbon emissions, including generating more renewable energy, improving energy and fuel efficiency, reducing the use of fossil fuels, exploring lower carbon processes and building a sustainable supply chain.
Xiang Cheng, Head of Energy and Carbon at Thames Water, said: “Our purpose is to deliver life's essential service, so our customers, communities and the environment can thrive. We're committed to reducing our greenhouse gas emissions and transforming the way we generate, purchase and use energy.
“It takes a significant amount of energy to keep taps flowing and toilets flushing, and energy is one of our greatest costs.
“Power Purchase Agreements are a mechanism which allow us to buy renewable energy at a fixed cost for a sustained period of time. This agreement will help us manage future planning for energy costs.”
Olaf Lubenow, Head of Commodity Solutions UK, North & South Europe at RWE Supply & Trading, said: “Water is the elixir of life and access to clean drinking water is essential. We are therefore delighted to support Thames Water in its important societal role by providing green electricity.”
