HydroPower

Hydroelectric generation in Scotland started early in the 20th century – kick-started by the need for power to drive aluminium smelting plants at Kinlochleven and Lochaber in the Highlands. This led to the construction of the Laggan dam and hydroelectric system in 1934.

Scotland now has 85% of the UK’s hydroelectric energy resource, much of it developed in the 1950s by the North of Scotland HydroElectric Board. The board played a large part in bringing ‘power from the glens’ into Scottish homes.

Hydroelectric schemes are still being built in Scotland. Small projects powering maybe 200 homes have become popular with an increase in government subsidies. Around 12% of Scotland’s total electricity now comes from hydroelectric generation.

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Hydropower need not have a dam! Damless Hydropower is the future