Zero Waste Scotland provides funding and support for award-winning Hydro Ness in Inverness as the green energy project prepares to open to public with performance by SURGE street arts project
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Information highlighting key messages for visitors to the award-winning Hydro Ness on the River Ness has received funding and expert support from Zero Waste Scotland.
The not-for-profit environmental organisation has been working with the project team to develop content for climate change and sustainability messages to help visitors to the green energy project embrace the environmental, economic, and social benefits of a circular economy.
Hydro Ness – the 'Archimedes Screw’ hydro electric scheme – officially opens to the public on Thursday when there will be a special performance by SURGE, a project which develops street arts, physical theatre and circus in Scotland.
Helen Lavery, regional engagement partner at Zero Waste Scotland said everyone knew climate change was happening and there was an urgent need to tackle it – but many were unsure where to start and what actions would have the greatest impact.
"The good news is there’s a lot we can all do to curb our contribution to the climate crisis, and it’s great to see that information showcased at Hydro Ness," she said.
"The circular economy is, ultimately, making things last. It’s about really valuing the goods and materials out there already and keeping them in high-value use for as long as possible.
"It’s the greatest tool we have available to help us tackle climate change, and we’re immensely proud to be pioneering that message in partnership with the Highland Council through Hydro Ness."
The visitor experience at the Hydro Ness will also cover key messages relating to environment and ecology, renewable energy, and climate change and sustainability.
The site will also act as a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) learning hub, allowing people of all ages to see how green electricity is generated up close.
The 93kW hydro electric scheme on the banks of the River Ness, which has recently been awarded the Best Onshore Renewable Energy Project at the 2022 Highlands and Islands Renewable Energy Awards, is now fully operational.
It has been generating electricity for the Inverness Leisure Centre since the beginning of June.
It will generate on average 550,000 kWh of renewable energy each year, supplying about 50 per cent of the electricity demand of the Inverness Leisure Centre.
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The project will officially open to the public on Thursday.
There will be a special performance by SURGE, a project which develops street arts, physical theatre and circus in Scotland, from 1.30pm and 3.30pm.
Further details and information about the opening event are available at eventbrite.
Councillor Ken Gowans, chairman of Highland Council’s infrastructure and economy committee said the council was delighted to be working with Zero Waste Scotland to develop the climate change and sustainability content at the site.
"Zero Waste Scotland is doing incredible work across Scotland with individuals and businesses to help reduce our consumption," he said.
"The messaging around climate change and sustainability on the Hydro Ness site is vital to empower people to make small changes in their lives.
"This is a critical time in how we tackle climate change and we need to be able to work together to achieve our ambitious climate goals."
