Welsh Water names date for net zero

Not for profit Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water, has unveiled a commitment to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2040 and to reduce carbon emissions by 90% by 2030.

The company said its zero carbon plans included a target of 100% self sufficiency in energy or energy neutrality by 2050. The company said it had set aside a record budget of over £80 million for research and innovation over the next five years. Its aims include innovation in how it harnesses nature through greater biodiversity, peatland restoration, wetland treatment and catchment management.

Welsh Water said it planned to step up its use of renewables as part of its bid to become energy self-sufficient.

The firm laid out its zero carbon ambition alongside its performance report for the year to 31 March 2021. It reported capital investment down 23% year on year to £353m with operating costs ticked up to 3329m. Operating profit fell 81% to £7m primarily due to exceptional items of £34 million including costs associated with its response to the pandemic.

Welsh Water reported its highest ever C-MeX score having achieved fourth out of the 17 water companies and third among the water and sewerage companies.