A hydro scheme that can power 1,600 homes has been approved by the Scottish Government.
The three megawatt Cia-Aig scheme, near Achnacarry in Inverness-shire, will employ up to 20 people during construction and provide local community benefits….
A hydro scheme that can power 1,600 homes has been approved by the Scottish Government.
The three megawatt Cia-Aig scheme, near Achnacarry in Inverness-shire, will employ up to 20 people during construction and provide local community benefits.
In September 2009, RWE npower renewables applied to Scottish Ministers for consent to construct and operate the scheme.
The firm will now develop a new run of river hydroelectric generating scheme on the Abhainn Chia-aig river, located at the eastern end of Loch Arkaig, approximately 15km to the north of Fort William, Scotland.
The scheme will generate up to 2.7 megawatts (MW) or 2,700 kilowatts (kW) of electricity, which is enough to meet the annual average energy needs of around 1600 homes.
The main components of the scheme include:
- An intake weir on the Abhainn Chia-aig river.
- A buried pipe from the intake to the powerhouse.
- A powerhouse and discharge of returning water via a tailrace upstream from the Cia Aig waterfall.
- A power cable from the powerhouse to connect to the nearby overhead power lines.
Energy Minister Jim Mather said:
“The Cia-Aig scheme is another good example of Scotland’s potential for smaller hydro schemes which generate green energy and cut emissions. The scheme will provide up to 20 low carbon jobs during construction and the developer will provide a community fund for long lasting benefits for the area. Viable hydro schemes that make the best use of our natural resources have a future in a low carbon Scotland.”