A 92kW hydroelectric scheme located on the banks of the River Ness in the Scottish Highlands is now fully operational, providing electricity to local facilities.

The Hydro Ness scheme features a 92kW Archimedes screw turbine which will generate over 500,000 kWh of renewable energy each year. The electricity generated will feed the nearby Inverness Leisure Centre, providing roughly 50% of the site’s electricity demand.

“I am delighted to see the turbines operational. The project team have been thorough in their monitoring of the scheme, and it is really exciting to be up and running,” said Leader of The Highland Council Councillor Raymond Bremner. “The river levels, in accordance with SEPA guidelines, will dictate when the turbines are operational, but it is fantastic to know we are now generating renewable electricity to help power Inverness Leisure.

“Electricity prices are increasing rapidly, and this project, and others like it, are vital in mitigating against market increases to help ensure the council, and our partners, continue to offer first-class services to the public.”

Director of Sport and Leisure at High Life Highland Douglas Wilby added: “This is a great milestone for what was a hugely ambitious project.

“Inverness Leisure is a unique building in its operation and offering; it caters for over 800,000 customer visits annually and we are an organisation that is determined to try and minimise our footprint whilst ensuring we continue to provide a vital function for the community. Hydro Ness is a project that helps us do that and it is very exciting to benefit from the electricity generated just a few hundred meetings from the building.”

The site will also feature an interactive visitor experience that will showcase how science and nature can work together, and encourage visitors to think about their personal impact on the environment.

The scheme will be open to the public from July 29.

 

Director of Sport and Leisure at High Life Highland Douglas Wilby at the Hydro Ness site