Buchanan Community Hydro, a new community-hydro scheme near Loch Lomond, has officially opened.
This new 100kW run of river community hydro scheme, which was developed by Buchanan Community Hydro Society Limited, will not only generate clean, green energy but will raise funds for the local community.
Local Energy Scotland, which manages the Scottish Government’s Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES), supported the hydro’s development by providing capital and loan funding as well as handholding support, financial, technical and due diligence support to the community.
Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero, Energy and Transport, Michael Matheson, officially opened the hydro scheme at a ceremony on Thursday 1 September. Mr Matheson said: “I am pleased that the Scottish Government was able to support the Buchanan Community Hydro project through our Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES). Its launch is testament to the people who have worked tirelessly to bring the project to life, and I have no doubt this important asset will help create a greener, fairer future for everyone in the Buchanan community.
“Our journey to becoming a net zero nation will be truly transformative, and the Scottish Government is committed to ensuring we deliver this transformation in a way that is fair and just for every individual and every community.
“The Buchanan Community Hydro demonstrates that local and community energy projects have the potential to deliver this positive change for communities, helping them to reduce their carbon emissions by generating green energy, engaging local people, and driving greater investment in local economies.”
Chris Morris, Local Energy Scotland manager, said: “Our congratulations go to the community and its contractors who have successfully developed and built this community hydro despite the challenges the pandemic has brought. This community hydro will not only contribute to Scotland’s efforts to tackle the climate crisis by generating energy from renewable sources, but the surplus funds generated by the hydro will be used to fund local projects and initiatives that will make a real difference to the local community.”
For more information visit the Buchanan Community Hydro website.
With thanks to Tom Nockolds of Energy4All for the image.