Hydro Scotland

Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS) is inviting interested parties to help develop the potential for run-of-river hydro-electric schemes at locations across the country and to come forward with proposals for development.

Roseanna Cunningham, environment minister, announced the move at the opening of RWE Npower renewables' new hydro scheme at Inverlael.

Cunningham said: 'Tackling the impact of climate change is a number-one priority for everyone – and that is why the Scottish government has committed to 50 per cent of Scotland's electricity being generated from renewable sources by 2020.

'Small-scale hydro schemes make an important contribution to our renewable energy capacity and the one at Inverlael, built on the national forest estate, is a good example of how the private sector and the Scottish government can work together to take Scotland towards a greener future.

'The national forest estate has more to contribute towards realising our commitment to renewable energy and the Commission is pleased to announce that it is inviting interested parties to come forward with proposals and suggestions for more small-scale hydro schemes on the national forest estate.'