SIMEC Highland hydro station produces enough energy to power a city the size of Inverness, Scotland

SIMEC the GFG Alliance’s international energy business recently announced that its Kinlochleven hydro-electric power station in the Highlands of Scotland has increased generation to its highest level for nearly 20 years following a recent upgrade to capacity.

Kinlochleven, which was acquired by SIMEC in 2016 and is located on the Lochaber estate lands, last week generated an average of 23.27MW of green energy – producing sufficient electricity to power a city the size of Inverness.

The increase, to the highest output since 2002, follows investment undertaken by SIMEC to reinstate defunct side-stream intakes of water into the hydro scheme, creating additional momentum to drive turbines. The outcome represents a step-up in clean energy to help power Scottish homes and industry.

Kinlochleven was the first major hydro-electric project in Britain, built between 1905 and 1909. The scheme harnesses water power from the Black Water chain of lochs through a 13km reservoir. The Blackwater dam, which serves Kinlochleven, is the longest in the Scottish Highlands.

Jay Hambro, Chief Executive of SIMEC Energy and Chief Investment Officer of the GFG Alliance, said: “Green energy will be vital in keeping the lights on in Scotland for future generations and SIMEC is committed to playing a key role. We’re delighted that we’ve been able to increase capacity at Kinlochleven by 20 precent, producing enough clean energy to light and heat homes in the biggest city in the region.”