A water company is going green to help save energy.
Southern Water is harnessing the methane gas produced during treatment processes at six sewage works in Sussex and Kent to help power the plants.
They produce enough electricity every year to provide the equivalent energy for lighting, cooking and domestic appliances in 1,700 homes.
The scheme has proved so successful the Worthing-based company is now extending it to three more plants in Kent and Hampshire.
Energy manager Martin South said: "Recycling the methane generated during wastewater treatment is good for the environment because the electricity produced reduces the amount of energy we need to import.
"Any excess electricity produced is exported to the national grid so even more people are using it."
It is one of just a few utilities recognised by the Carbon Trust's energy efficiency accreditation scheme.
Friday, October 21, 2005
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