SSE Renewables has been announced as the official STEM partner of the Hydro Ness visitor attraction and hydro scheme in Inverness.
The facility uses historical infrastructure from a disused hydro scheme dating back to 1929 to generate over 500,000 kWh of renewable electricity each year which will power the nearby Inverness leisure Centre.
It relies on technology dating back to ancient Egypt, with it utilising the natural flow of the river water to power two large turbines and create green energy.
The visitor attraction element of the facility, which is set to open on July 29, features a STEM learning hub which will allow visitors the opportunity to interact with a micro run of the river hydro scheme and learn about the neighbouring environment and ecology.
SSE Renewables has funded the content, with it providing a background on different hydro technologies and will help to showcase large hydro schemes – specifically the company’s flagship Coire Glas project at Loch Lochy, which it said has the potential capacity to double the UK’s existing electricity storage capacity.
Ian Innes, Coire Glas project director for SSE Renewables, said, “Hydro Ness is a really exciting project, not only for the carbon and energy benefits it can deliver, but also its ambition in terms of site content and messaging. We are delighted to support the project, particularly given the obvious synergy between Hydro Ness and our flagship Coire Glas project.
“SSE Renewables is committed to supporting STEM learning opportunities and we hope Hydro Ness, and our own Coire Glas project, will act as inspiration for young people across the region. These types of projects will be absolutely vital in achieving net zero and we are excited to see people visit the site and engage with the educational materials and STEM learning opportunities.”
