Overview
Loch Eilde Mor Hydro (Kinlochleven extension) is a 2 MW hydroelectric power plant in the United Kingdom, operated by Green Highland Renewables. It contributes to Scotland's renewable energy capacity.
Loch Eilde Mor Hydro (Kinlochleven extension) is a hydroelectric power plant located in the Scottish Highlands, near Kinlochleven. With a capacity of 2 MW, it is a small-scale run-of-river hydro scheme that harnesses the natural flow of water from Loch Eilde Mor. The plant is owned and operated by Green Highland Renewables, a company specializing in renewable energy projects in Scotland. The facility operates under the regulatory framework of the UK's Electricity Act and the Renewables Obligation, which incentivizes low-carbon electricity generation. As a hydroelectric plant, it uses a turbine to convert the kinetic energy of flowing water into electricity, with no direct fuel combustion. The technology is well-suited to the mountainous terrain and high rainfall of the region, which provides a consistent water supply. The plant plays a role in the local grid by supplying renewable electricity to the surrounding area, supporting the UK's transition to a low-carbon energy system. Its small scale minimizes environmental impact, and it operates in accordance with environmental regulations to protect local watercourses and ecosystems.
Environmental context
The plant's hydroelectric generation produces no direct CO2, SOx, or NOx emissions, contributing to lower air pollution compared to fossil fuel plants. Its location in a remote, mountainous area with high rainfall ensures a reliable water source, but careful management is needed to maintain ecological flows in the river. The small capacity (2 MW) limits the scale of potential environmental disruption, and the facility is subject to UK environmental regulations to protect aquatic habitats.
Frequently asked questions
Loch Eilde Mor Hydro is located near Kinlochleven in the Scottish Highlands, United Kingdom.
The plant has a capacity of 2 megawatts (MW), making it a small-scale hydroelectric facility.
The plant is owned and operated by Green Highland Renewables, a renewable energy company based in Scotland.
Hydroelectric plants in the UK operate under the Electricity Act and the Renewables Obligation, which support renewable energy generation. Environmental regulations also apply to protect water resources.
As a hydroelectric plant, it generates electricity without direct emissions of CO2, SOx, or NOx, helping to reduce the carbon footprint of the UK's power grid.