Perth hydropower developer Green Highland Renewables has commissioned an innovative hydro scheme which is now generating future income for a remote Highland community.

The hydro specialists switched on the completed 465kW scheme on the Morvern peninsula in January – a month ahead of schedule. The hydropower development, located on the Abhainn Shalachain river, is now producing power to the National Grid and revenue which can be used locally.

Last year the people of Morvern became the first community group in Scotland to invest their own money in a hydro scheme on land managed by Forestry Commission Scotland. In total the Morvern Community Development Company and Morvern Community Trust invested £30,000 in the development. Their stake will now provide the community with regular income in addition to the standard £5000 per annum per megawatt community benefit payment associated with onshore renewable projects.  

“We’re pleased to see this project up and generating full power ahead of schedule," said Richard Round, CEO of Green Highland Renewables. "It is good news for the local community, Green Highland Renewables and Triple Point, who we are working in partnership with to develop a number of schemes in our extensive portfolio.

Dr Aileen McLeod, The Scottish Government’s Environment, Climate Change & Land Reform Minister, welcomed the news. “This is an excellent example of how Scotland’s National Forest Estate is helping put communities at the heart of their own prosperity," McLeod said. "Through this partnership, public land is being used to generate renewable energy and provide an income to a rural community. “This is positive news, empowering the community to take an economic stake in new developments.”