This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Two new hydro stations approved
26/03/2003
Approval has been granted for two hydro-electric
generating stations to be constructed in the Highlands.
Deputy Enterprise Minister Lewis Macdonald said the new
power stations would collectively generate enough clean
electricity to meet the average demand from 5,250
households.
The stations are to be located in:
- Kingairloch in Lochaber, to be developed by
Scottish and Southern Energy
- Braevallich in Argyll, to be developed by
Innogy
Mr Macdonald said:
"These hydro-electric proposals will boost the amount of
renewable energy produced in Scotland, potentially cutting
future carbon emissions and helping contribute to the
delivery of the Scottish Climate Change Programme.
"Scotland's overall environment will not be the only
beneficiary, with economic gains to flow to local
communities in places where the projects are to be built.
It is expected both stations could lead to potential jobs
and subcontracting work in the local areas.
"A lengthy consultation process has been held to ensure
that the Executive's drive towards realising natural
renewable resources does not come at an unacceptable cost
to the surrounding environment. To ensure the areas'
natural heritage values are safeguarded strict standards
and conditions have also been attached to these
consents.
"These proposals will also bring Scotland a small step
closer to securing its position as a key player in the
development of a renewables sector in Europe."
The Kingairloch hydro proposal is for a 3.5-megawatt
generating scheme in the Abhainn na Coinnich river
catchment between Loch Uisge and Loch a'Choire. It is
located approximately 30 km to the south west of Fort
William, in an area that is predominantly moorland.
The developer, Scottish and Southern Energy, is the
largest generator of renewable resources in the UK, owning
and operating around half of the total renewable generation
capacity.
The Braevallich Proposal is for a hydro-electric
generating station with a generation capacity of 2.2
megawatts. It is situated on the Abhainn a Bhealaich and
its tributaries at Braevallich, Loch Awe. The current land
use of the Braevallich site is mainly commercial forestry
plantation. The developer, Innogy plc, was created in
October 2000 as a result of the de-merger of National
Power. At present, Innogy hydro power stations are located
in Scotland and Wales, but the company is currently seeking
to increase its portfolio of small-scale hydro schemes
throughout the UK.