We have declared a climate and ecological emergency and aim to be net zero by 2045.
The River Ness Hydro scheme will help reduce our carbon footprint and support the generation and use of renewable energy.
Renewable energy generation
A 93kW twin turbine hydroelectric power system will generate around 550,000 kWh of electricity each year. This will supply approximately 50% of the electricity used by the nearby Inverness Leisure Centre.
Project funding
The project is partially funded through our Salix Recycling Fund. This is a £7 million recycling fund, which is:
- the largest award made in Scotland
- the largest award made to a local authority in the UK
Salix Finance Ltd is a non-departmental public body, wholly owned by the UK Government. It provides interest-free loans to the public sector for energy efficiency projects.
The £7 million Recycling Fund aims to increase long-term investment in energy-efficient technologies across the public sector. It allows clients to reinvest savings from previous projects to finance further energy reduction schemes.
The loan fund is ring-fenced for investment in projects that reduce our energy spend and carbon emissions. The River Ness Hydro is one of many energy-efficient projects across the Highlands benefiting from this investment.
Council collaboration
The River Ness Hydro is a cross-service project involving Council officers from:
- transformation
- property
- climate and energy
Hydro Ness Archimedes screw
The River Ness Hydro will attract many visitors and provide an interactive experience for all ages. It will promote renewable energy and STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) learning in the Highlands.
It will also serve as a learning hub for:
- climate change
- local ecology
- engineering
- renewables