THE Hydro Ness installation on the banks of the River Ness in Inverness has been named as Small Project of the Year at the British Construction Industry Awards.
The renewable ‘powerhouse’ uses the natural flow of the River Ness to generate electricity and incorporates a public viewing gallery and visitor attraction. The power generated will supply the nearby Inverness Leisure Centre and provide approximately 50% of its electricity needs.
The Highland Council said that the scheme is expected to reduce carbon emissions by over 140,000 kg per annum. This is also strengthened using natural resources in the form of an historically and ecologically important river.
It was delivered by the local authority with support from architects Leslie Hutt Architect; structural engineers Hasson Engineering Solutions; steelwork contractors, M. Hasson; and Sons Ltd; and the main contractors, Bradley and Company, Hydro NI.
Chair of the Highland Council’s economy and infrastructure committee, councillor Ken Gowans, said, “This is fantastic news, and the second time this innovative and important project has been recognised this month. Hydro Ness is a shining example of how Highland Council is already rising to the demands of the climate and ecological emergency, whilst helping to achieve our net zero emissions ambitions by 2025.”
Head of property & facilities management at the Highland Council, Finlay MacDonald, added, “The project team were delighted to be recognised at these national awards, which demonstrates how significant the project has been. There was excellent collaboration and great passion from all involved to achieve such a functional and unique structure. The project outcomes will leave a lasting legacy, which will benefit the local community, help develop skills, provide education and of course help the environment.”
