1.5 MW hydro project in Rannoch River, Scotland to power 750 homes; more projects in line

A 1.5-megawatt (MW) hydro project in the Ardtornish Estate at Scotland, UK that is estimated to power 750 homes, has been approved for construction last week (May 18) by the Scottish government. The Rannoch River scheme, to be built near Claggan, will also be creating 12 jobs during construction.

The project aims to help the Scottish government reach its target of sourcing 50% of its electricity from renewables by 2020. The government’s interim target is to hit 31% by 2011.

As early as July 2008, renewable energy consultancy firm Hydroplan UK has submitted “an application for consent to construct and operate” the said project in behalf of the Ardtornish Estate Company Ltd. During consultation, two representations were received.

At present, 29 renewable energy project applications are being processed by the Scottish government’s Energy Consents and Deployment Unit. Twenty-four of these are wind farms while five are hydro. Twenty-seven energy applications have been determined since May 2007, including approval for 21 renewable and one non-renewable project. The said figures represent an increase in the number of determined projects “over the whole of the previous four years,” when only 19 projects were determined.

“Renewable energy developments will help Scotland's economic recovery. Working in harmony with the environment, this scheme will generate clean, green energy, reduce emissions, and create 12 new construction jobs--a model of the low carbon opportunities that exist the length and breadth of Scotland. We will continue to support sustainable hydro power developments to tackle climate change and help increase sustainable economic growth," said Energy Minister Jim Mather.

1.5 MW hydro project in Rannoch River, Scotland to power 750 homes; more projects in line

RSS Posted by Krasugir & Co at 8:20 AM