Harness energy from rivers, say ministers

According to a recent study, Scotland can potentially double its hydro-electric generation. Its Highlands and western region are having enough untapped hydro power to meet the requirement of almost 600,000 homes.

The study found more than a thousand sites which can generate 657 MW of electrical energy. Not only are these sites financially viable but they can provide enough to power to double the current hydro power generation.

Apart from the Highlands, other potential areas include Argyll, Clyde, Stirlingshire and Perthshire. These sites do not require construction of large dams. By using “run-of-river” method, small and medium power generation plants can be constructed here to tap the river water through pipes and weirs.

The report has also recommended speeding up approval process of hydro-electrical projects. Presently, projects smaller than 1 MW are dealt by local authorities, while 1MW and above are processed by ministers.

Jim Mather, the Energy Minister, said that large scale hydro projects are unlikely to see much progress in the near future. Therefore, micro and small hydro power plants are the only way forward. Not only are these projects financially viable, they will also stimulate economic growth and address the issues of climate change and environmental protection.

According to Nick Forrest, who has produced the report, micro and small hydro plants are ideal to overcome environmental concerns. Plants’ buildings can be constructed by materials which blend with the landscape, whereas pipes can be run underground to retain the visual harmony. Out of more than 1000 sites, only about 50 require flooding. The rest all can use run-of-river method to generate electricity.