Scottish hydro schemes to power 3,500 homes » Environment » 24dash.com

Two new hydro schemes capable of powering over 3,500 homes have been approved by the Scottish Government.

The 3.5 Megawatt Black Rock scheme, near Evanton in Ross-shire, will supply electricity for over 2,000 homes.

The 2.5 Megawatt scheme on Allt Coire Chaorach, near Crianlarich, will power over 1,500 homes.

Energy Minister Jim Mather said: "Harnessing new hydro power brings economic benefits while reducing emissions and there is a commercial future in the huge untapped hydro potential up and down Scotland.

"These two schemes are prime examples - operating in harmony with the environment, they will be able to power over 3500 homes - a tangible demonstration that new hydro power has a bright future in Scotland.

"We are determined to exploit all of Scotland's diverse renewables potential and we will continue to support sustainable hydro development - large and small - to tackle climate change and contribute to economic growth."

In March 2007, Scottish and Southern Energy applied for consent to construct and operate a run of river hydro electric station on the Allt Coire Chaorach near Crianlarich. A run of river scheme generates electricity using the elevation and natural flow of a river.

Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, as the relevant planning authority supported the application. No representations were received during the course of the consultation exercise.

In December 2006, RWE Npower plc applied for consent to construct and operate a run-of-river hydro electric station on the lower catchment of the River Glass, between Redburn and Evanton. A run of river scheme generates electricity using the elevation and natural flow of a river. Sixteen representations were received during the course of the consultation, with no objections.

The Scottish Government's Energy Consents Unit is currently processing 32 renewable project applications - 24 wind farms, seven hydro projects and one wave project, with more applications expected.

The Scottish Government has determined 22 energy applications, including approval for 16 renewable and one non-renewable project since May 2007 - more determinations than over the whole of the previous four years, in which 19 projects were determined. New applications are being dealt with in line with the Scottish Government's new target to come to a decision within nine months, where there is no public inquiry.

Scottish Government targets are to meet 50 per cent of electricity demand from renewables by 2020, and an interim target of 31 per cent by 2011.

Total installed capacity of renewables in Scotland is over three Gigawatts. Adding in all the potential energy from already consented renewable projects to those already operating brings the total to 5.5 Gigawatts, meaning the Scottish Government is set to surpass the 2011 target.