Construction work has begun on a new 750kw hydro scheme at Allt Choire a’ Bhalachain on the south side of Loch Garry in the Scottish Highlands, developers Green Highland Renewables has announced.
The £3 million scheme, which is funded by specialist investors Triple Point, is the third hydro development Green Highland has started this year, and the ninth project developed by the firm in the Highlands. It forms part of a growing pipeline of sub 2MW schemes being developed by the company.
Allt Choire a’ Bhalachain is one of two projects in the immediate area being developed on land managed by Forestry Commission Scotland. The other scheme, a 1.3MW development at Allt Ladaidh, will commence construction in early 2015.
“We have so far consented 45 projects across Scotland and we are now entering a very active phase as we start to build out and deliver these approved schemes within the FIT accreditation windows," says Richard Round, the firm’s Chief Executive Officer.
Green Highland Renewables began development work on the site in 2011 and achieved full consent in 2013. The project is one of a number being developed by Green Highland Renewables on land managed by Forestry Commission Scotland as part of a framework agreement.
For this scheme the local community will receive an annual royalty in addition to the industry-standard community benefit of £5000 per MW per annum.
Highland Waterworks Limited have been appointed as the main contractor for the project.