Energy giant invests in small-scale hydropower

An energy giant has invested £750,000 in a small and medium-scale hydropower company.

Scottish and Southern Energy has acquired a 33 per cent share in Green Highland Renewables, which advises communities and landowners on local hydropower opportunities.

Green Highland Renewables focuses on generating electricity using just a section of the water course, harnessing a small part of the stream instead of damming the whole river.

For Scottish and Southern Energy, which has its roots as a hydro-electric company, the purchase complements its large scale strategy.

A 100MW project at Glendoe next to Loch Ness is the first large-scale hydro-electric power station in Scotland in 50 years.

The firm has said that small scale hydropower "has a role to play" in its progress.

Dave Gardner, head of ventures at SSE, said: "Hydro electricity is part of SSE's heritage and we continue to look for opportunities to develop large-scale schemes like our 100MW project at Glendoe.

"But small-scale hydro has an important role to play in fully developing renewable energy in rural areas, for the benefit of communities and landowners."