RWE Innogy UK’s 2.7MW Cia Aig hydro project in the Scottish Highlands has started generating electricity.
The run-of-river scheme is nearing full completion after a challenging 2-year construction programme carried out by I&H Brown.
Located at the eastern end of Loch Arkaig to the north of Fort William, the project includes a 3.2km pipeline that runs from the intake weir on the Abhainn Chia-aig river to the power house.
Plant contractor Andritz Hydro completed commissioning of the plant this month.
RWE’s hydro manager Mary Drury said: “It is always energising when we first start generating at a significant project like Cia Aig. This takes RWE Innogy’s operational hydro schemes in Scotland to 15MW with a total capacity of up to 30 MW.
“Whilst we continue to focus on our existing schemes in development and planning, and on our Grudie hydro scheme which has just moved into construction, RWE Innogy UK is also looking for additional opportunities to increase our hydro portfolio.”
Image: RWE
