Hydroelectricity: case studies

This scheme is in the mountains of Argyllshire, Scotland. The reservoir is 338 metres above sea level and was created by building a dam (725 metres long and 45 metres high) across Glen Shira.

Water released from Loch Shira passes through the 5-megawatt Sron Mor power station sited on the shore of Lochan Sron Mor, a smaller reservoir just in front of the main dam. The water then travels from this head pond through tunnels and pipelines to Clachan Power Station, over 7 kilometres away at the head of Loch Fyne.

 

 

The local community raised some money and, in partnership with the local Coop, which also provided some funding, installed a reverse Archimedes screw, which avoids fish damage due to its slow rolling motion. The installation should continue generating energy long after it has paid for itself. It provides renewable electricity through a private wire to the large Cooperative supermarket. Local residents take it in turns to clear the installation in autumn and winter from leaves. It is reported to have had a positive effect on community interest in renewable energy.

 

 

Operated by Garbhaig Hydro Power Ltd, this small-scale hydroelectric site is within a National Scenic Area, adjoining Loch Garbhaig in Slattadale Forest, south of Lake Maree in Scotland. The water is sourced from storage at Loch Garbhaig, and travels through 1,400 metres of buried pipeline to the 1,000-kilowatt Newmills Hydro Pelton Turbine.

Highland Regional Planning Authorities, Scottish Natural Heritage, the Forestry Commission and the Highland River Purification Board were all involved in planning consultations, making sure that important natural features were preserved and enhanced.

 

 

Four of the five households that make up the Kildonnan settlement on the east coast of the island are now connected to a shared hydroelectricity scheme. The Isle of Eigg Heritage Trust, which is responsible for the development of the island, installed the scheme.

The small community is not connected to the national grid power supply, and the villagers relied on private diesel generators for their electricity. However, the generators were noisy, costly and dependent on regular shipments of diesel to the island. Also, the generators had to be switched off at night, and produced oil waste as a by-product. The Heritage Trust was keen to switch to a cheaper and more reliable source of electricity.

The residents installed the hydroelectricity scheme themselves, and they are also responsible for maintenance and repairs. The £40,160 project received £9,200 of funding from Lochaber Enterprise and the Community Economic Development programme, as well as funding from the Scottish Land Fund, the Scottish Clean Energy Efficiency Demonstration Scheme and the Gordon Fraser Trust.