River Ness Hydro vision
River Ness Hydro will be of significant interest to some of the 6 million visitors to the Highlands each year. Inverness is the most visited city in the UK, with over 280,000 visitors annually.
The scheme has a unique structure and will feature videos and game content on display screens. These will be free and fully accessible to the public.
STEM learning and education
The Council has partnered with the Science Skills Academy (SSA), a project that delivers educational, inspirational and hands-on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) activities to school pupils across the Highlands.
River Ness Hydro offers a unique and accessible opportunity for young people to visit and see key STEM skills and learning in practice.
The interpretative elements of the Hydro can be further strengthened through collaborative working with SSA, both now and in the future.
Supporting climate action
We declared a climate and ecological emergency in 2019 and have adopted the Scottish Government’s net zero by 2045 target.
The high-profile nature of the Hydro will help champion ambitious, green, self-supply energy opportunities and support positive change.
The scheme is expected to:
- generate around 550,000 kWh of renewable electricity annually
- reduce carbon emissions by over 140,000 kg per year
This is achieved by using natural resources from the historically and ecologically important River Ness.
Linking local attractions
Through a partnership with High Life Highland, River Ness Hydro will complement the Castle development. It will align with existing initiatives and proposals to create a cohesive approach that strengthens links from the city to other local visitor attractions, including:
- the Botanic Gardens
- Inverness Castle
- Inverness Leisure Centre