By Dave Lord

A HYDRO electric scheme capable of powering 1000 homes will be constructed in Perthshire after Scottish ministers agreed it would not harm the local environment.

The 1.4-megawatt Innerhadden Burn scheme is set to be built 2km south-east of Kinloch Rannoch.

Last night it was hailed as an excellent development that will help to make Scotland the “green energy capital of Europe.”

Plans for the hydro station were finally given the green light yesterday, three years after they were first mooted.

Energy minister Jim Mather welcomed the development and said he hoped it would pave the way for similar schemes throughout Scotland.

“Scotland has a vast array of potentially cheap renewable energy sources,” he said.

“While this scheme is relatively small it will be able to meet the demand of around 1000 homes.

“We have the skills and resources to become the green energy capital of Europe and we are investing in the whole renewables mix—in onshore and offshore wind, hydro, tidal, wave, biomass, and clean coal, including carbon capture technology.”

Mr Mather said tackling climate change was a top priority for the Scottish Government.

“I want to ensure we continue to exploit Scotland’s massive renewables potential,” he said.

“Meanwhile, provided schemes operate in harmony with the environment, we will support further hydro development, large or small, to help tackle climate change and contribute to sustainable economic growth.”

Councillors in Perth and Kinross previously approved the Innerhadden scheme but, as it is in excess of one megawatt, the consent of Scottish ministers was also required.

They approved the scheme after hearing details of a year-long study of the burn. It concluded there would be “little effect” on the environment or local wildlife.

Ministers were also told Scottish Natural Heritage and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency had supported the proposal.

Last night North Tayside MSP John Swinney welcomed the development.

“I am delighted the Innerhadden Burn scheme has been approved,” he said.

“Quite clearly it will have impact on the local economy, which is very welcome.

“It will also make a contribution to the provision of renewable energy in Scotland.”

Mid Scotland Fife MSP Murdo Fraser was similarly pleased.

“The hydro scheme has the backing of the local authority as well as SNH and SEPA, which proves the proposals are acceptable and take into account the surrounding area.

“I am a strong supporter of small-scale hydro schemes and I have visited a number of schemes which have a very low-level impact, both visually and environmentally.

“These small-scale hydro schemes make a valuable contribution to achieving our renewable energy targets and provide useful income to farmers and rural businesses.”

The Forum for Renewable Energy Development in Scotland (FREDS) hydro sub-group is investigating the “barriers to and opportunities for” further similar developments throughout the country.

The Scottish Government’s energy consents unit is processing 36 renewable project applications—28 wind farm and eight hydro projects.

Perthshire is playing a leading role in the provision of renewable energy schemes, and consent for what will be one of Europe’s largest on-shore wind farms was recently granted for a site near Aberfeldy.