Posted on:
30 September 2026
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Major Solar Carport Powers Up at Stepps
30 September 2026
Clean energy
The solar carport is one of the largest in Scotland and will provide around a third of the site's power.
One of Scotland's largest solar carports is now up and running at Scottish Water's headquarters in Stepps.
The new 2,250-panel installation at The Bridge will generate renewable electricity on site, supplying more than a third of the site's power needs while cutting carbon emissions and energy costs for decades to come.
The project transforms existing parking space into a renewable energy asset capable of generating around 0.87Gwh of clean electricity annually – enough to power around 320 average UK homes a year. It will also reduce carbon emissions by around 160 tonnes each year.
Scottish Water’s commercial subsidiary Scottish Water Horizons has led the project, alongside delivery partner OCS.
Scottish Water Horizons Business Development Manager, Donald MacBrayne, said: "The completion of the solar carport at The Bridge is a landmark moment in our renewables programme.
“By making better use of existing space, we have created a significant source of clean electricity that will help power our operations for decades to come while reducing both our carbon footprint and energy costs.
“The carport also uses bifacial solar panels, which can capture light from both sides, helping us get more generation from the same area.
“It’s also been a great example of what can be achieved through close collaboration. The project was delivered on time and within budget, which is a great result for a project of this scale.”
The new 2,250-panel installation at The Bridge will generate renewable electricity on site, supplying more than a third of the site's power needs while cutting carbon emissions and energy costs for decades to come.
The project transforms existing parking space into a renewable energy asset capable of generating around 0.87Gwh of clean electricity annually – enough to power around 320 average UK homes a year. It will also reduce carbon emissions by around 160 tonnes each year.
Scottish Water’s commercial subsidiary Scottish Water Horizons has led the project, alongside delivery partner OCS.
Scottish Water Horizons Business Development Manager, Donald MacBrayne, said: "The completion of the solar carport at The Bridge is a landmark moment in our renewables programme.
“By making better use of existing space, we have created a significant source of clean electricity that will help power our operations for decades to come while reducing both our carbon footprint and energy costs.
“The carport also uses bifacial solar panels, which can capture light from both sides, helping us get more generation from the same area.
“It’s also been a great example of what can be achieved through close collaboration. The project was delivered on time and within budget, which is a great result for a project of this scale.”
Partnership
From left: Scottish Water Horizons Director Paul Kerr, local MSP Fulton MacGregor, Scottish Water Horizons Business Development Manager Donald MacBrayne and OCS Divisional Manager Ian Mailer.
Scottish Water General Manager for Net Zero, Elise Cartmell, said: "Projects like this show how climate action can deliver multiple benefits. The solar carport will help reduce emissions, generate renewable energy and support our wider sustainability ambitions.
“It is also an excellent example of how we can integrate environmental improvements into our existing estate while supporting the transition to a more sustainable future."
The project will also bring benefits for biodiversity, with planting and habitat improvements being introduced around the carport to support wildlife and enhance the site for people as well as nature.
Fulton MacGregor, local MSP for Coatbridge and Chryston, said: "This is an impressive investment in renewable energy and a great example of innovative thinking in action.
“By turning a car park into a clean energy generator, Scottish Water is demonstrating how organisations can make better use of existing assets to reduce emissions and contribute to Scotland's climate ambitions. I'm pleased to see this project completed and the benefits it will deliver for years to come."
OCS UK & Ireland, Managing Director, Energy, Graeme Hamilton said: "This was an all-round effort, and everyone involved should be proud of what has been delivered at The Bridge.
"The whole OCS team worked hand in hand with Scottish Water and Scottish Water Horizons, and the finished site reflects the care and commitment that went into it. We are delighted to have played our part in bringing one of Scotland's largest solar carports to life.”
The completion of the solar carport comes as Scottish Water continues to expand its renewable energy portfolio, with over 100 solar schemes now operating at sites across the country, and invest in projects that help reduce carbon emissions, improve operational resilience and support delivery of its net zero commitments.
“It is also an excellent example of how we can integrate environmental improvements into our existing estate while supporting the transition to a more sustainable future."
The project will also bring benefits for biodiversity, with planting and habitat improvements being introduced around the carport to support wildlife and enhance the site for people as well as nature.
Fulton MacGregor, local MSP for Coatbridge and Chryston, said: "This is an impressive investment in renewable energy and a great example of innovative thinking in action.
“By turning a car park into a clean energy generator, Scottish Water is demonstrating how organisations can make better use of existing assets to reduce emissions and contribute to Scotland's climate ambitions. I'm pleased to see this project completed and the benefits it will deliver for years to come."
OCS UK & Ireland, Managing Director, Energy, Graeme Hamilton said: "This was an all-round effort, and everyone involved should be proud of what has been delivered at The Bridge.
"The whole OCS team worked hand in hand with Scottish Water and Scottish Water Horizons, and the finished site reflects the care and commitment that went into it. We are delighted to have played our part in bringing one of Scotland's largest solar carports to life.”
The completion of the solar carport comes as Scottish Water continues to expand its renewable energy portfolio, with over 100 solar schemes now operating at sites across the country, and invest in projects that help reduce carbon emissions, improve operational resilience and support delivery of its net zero commitments.
Landmark moment
The carport is the first to be delivered at a Scottish Water site and joins a portfolio of more than 100 solar schemes across the Scottish Water estate.
