Energy start-up Albion Community Power has pledged £4.8m for two new hydropower projects in the Scottish Highlands, expected to generate 2.8GWh of renewable electricity every year.
The two run-of-river schemes being developed are Liatre Burn, on the Glen Cannich estate, and Abhainn Bruachaig, near Kinlochewe.
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Construction is already underway on the 500kW projects, with completion of works and commissioning of the schemes anticipated before the end of this year.
Albion Community Power chair Volker Beckers said: "We are delighted to announce two new projects as we continue to invest in small-scale hydropower. ACP’s expertise in hydro-power combined and enhanced by local knowledge supports the government’s SME and local business campaign.
"Hydropower, the oldest renewable technology, has a proven track record of generating strong and stable returns for investors."
Albion’s two other community-scale hydro projects, Chaorach, near Crianlarich, and River Arkaig, in Lochaber, are in their advanced stages of construction.
These two projects are expected to become operational by the end of the third quarter this year.
The company is being backed by an investment from the UK Green Investment Bank, Strathclyde Pension Fund and Greater Manchester Pension Fund.
UK Green Investment Bank investment banking head Edward Northam said: "Community-scale projects improve the efficiency of the network by generating electricity close to where customers need it.
"We believe that decentralised schemes like Liatre Burn and Bruachaig are an important part of the energy mix and have a significant role to play in increasing security of supply, reducing costs and cutting greenhouse gas emissions."
Image: Hydropower is the oldest renewable technology. Photo: © UK Green Investment Bank.
