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Hydro Ness on the River Ness in Inverness shortlisted as finalist in The VIBES - Scottish Environment Business Awards


By Val Sweeney

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An aerial view of Hydro Ness which has been shortlisted for the finals of The VIBES – Scottish Environment Business Awards.
An aerial view of Hydro Ness which has been shortlisted for the finals of The VIBES – Scottish Environment Business Awards.

A green energy project on the River Ness in Inverness has been shortlisted for a second prestigious award.

Hydro Ness, the ‘Archimedes Screw’ hydro-electric scheme, is a finalist in The VIBES – Scottish Environment Business Awards.

It follows the recent announcement that it was also a finalist in the Highlands and Islands Renewable Energy Awards 2022.

The Vibes Awards are a partnership between the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), the Scottish Government, Energy Saving Trust, Highland and Islands Enterprise, Scottish Enterprise, South of Scotland Enterprise, Scottish Water, Zero Waste Scotland and NatureScot.

The project is one of 45 finalists from across a range of industries including food and drink, construction and life sciences.

Hydro Ness became fully operational on March 23.

As water from the powerful River Ness flows into the hydro, it passes through spiral blades forcing the screw to turn. Energy generated from the movement is converted into electricity and fed into the nearby Inverness Leisure Centre, providing roughly 50 per cent of the site’s electricity demand.

Hydro Ness in Inverness became fully operational in March.
Hydro Ness in Inverness became fully operational in March.

Chairman of the Highland Council’s climate change committee, Councillor Karl Rosie said: "This is the second prestigious award that Hydro Ness has been shortlisted for as the announcement today follows on from the news that the project won the On-shore Renewable Energy Project Award at the recent Scottish Highland Renewable Energy Awards.

He added: "I am so pleased the hard work and commitment of all the staff behind the project has been recognised with a place in the finals.

"Hydro Ness is a fantastic project and not only do I wish the project success in the VIBE Awards but I look forward to a continued focus on our property estate across the Highlands, and understanding how we may reduce energy consumption with innovative and environmentally sustainable means of providing energy, such as this."

WATCH: Project in line for award

Cllr Ken Gowns, chairman of the environment and infrastructure committee, said: "This is a hugely ambitious project so the team behind it should feel very proud to be short-listed for their work.

"Energy prices are increasing rapidly, and Hydro Ness showcases how science and nature can work together and benefits Inverness Leisure with electricity generated just a few hundred metres from the building."


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