LEG investigating hydro scheme to fund projects
A new hydro-electric scheme being developed by Lochaber Environmental Group (LEG) is hoping to generate electricity for 450 homes, writes Richard Mason.
The group is currently exploring the scheme which will be positioned on Forestry Commission land in Glenachulish, and wants to secure the lease through a community asset transfer.
This would be the first hydro scheme to be owned and operated by an environmental group and would mean LEG would have income for future projects.
Zach Wishart, development officer for energy at LEG, said: ‘We are being supported by Local Energy Scotland and have made use of the Scottish government’s Community and Renewable Energy Scheme, which has helped with loan financing to bring the project to this stage.
‘Small scale hydro is one of the cleanest sources of energy available so it is a great fit for LEG’s ethos to develop in this scheme.
‘This is a large project for LEG to undertake and we hope many members of our community will come on this journey with us. As part of this we are aiming to raise a significant amount of the finance required through a community share offer, which will allow investment in the scheme and dividends from it, along with potential tax relief on the initial investment.’
This is a very long-term project that LEG will not be able to profit from for many years but once it does, the money will go to environmental schemes in the area and it means it will not have to rely on external funders.
While hydro schemes are one of the cleanest sources of energy available with the process causing minimal disruption, there is some contention over the removal of trees for the hill tracks used to create the energy system.
Mr Wishart assured the Lochaber Times that any trees removed would be replaced and most of the tracks were already in place from forestry work.
If anyone is interested in this scheme or has any concerns or suggestions, LEG is welcoming comment by email via info@lochaberenviro.org.uk