A planning application has been submitted by leading green energy firm npower renewables for a hydroelectric power scheme at Black Rock Gorge near Evanton, Ross-shire.  

If built, the scheme would use water in the River Glass to generate up to 3.5 megawatts of clean electricity each year – enough to supply the average electricity needs of over 2,000 households.  

This £4 million hydro development is one of a number of projects being promoted by npower renewables in support of Scotland and UK commitments to increase the share of electricity generated from renewable sources. 

Project manager, Alasdair MacNiven, said: “We have been investigating this site for a number of years and have undertaken thorough and comprehensive environmental assessments. The studies, carried out by independent consultants, have helped us develop an appropriately designed and economic scheme that uses the natural flow of the river to generate clean electricity.”  

The application for the Black Rock hydro scheme will now be considered by the Scottish Executive. The public are invited to submit their views directly to the Scottish Executive before the close of consultation on 16 February 2007.