Ambitious Perth-based hydro power developer Green Highland Renewables has begun construction work on a £3 million scheme.
The 750kW Allt Choire a’ Bhalachain project on the south side of Loch Garry is the company’s ninth development in the Highlands, and the third it has broken ground on this year.
The company has a growing pipeline of sub-2MW projects on its books which include the 1.3MW Allt Ladaidh scheme close to Allt Choire a’ Bhalachain.
Construction work on the hydro run at Allt Ladaidh is expected to begin early next year.
The company’s newly appointed chief executive officer Richard Round said the latest project was funded by Triple Point, an investment manager with four years of experience under its belt in working with the Scottish hydro industry.
“We have so far consented 45 projects across Scotland and we are now entering a very active phase as we start to build out and deliver these approved schemes within the FIT accreditation windows,” said Mr Round.
“Highland Waterworks have been appointed as the main contractor.
“This will be their third job working with Green Highland Renewables and we can rely on their on-time track record to see the scheme complete in 2015.
“It is also good to have the backing of Triple Point as project funders. Their support is a tremendous endorsement of our track record of delivery”.
The move into the construction phase at Allt Choire a’ Bhalachain comes after the firm received full consent for the scheme last year after two years of development and planning works.
The project is one of a number being developed by GHR under the terms of a framework agreement relating to Forestry Commission Scotland managed land.
Last month, GHR said it was “hungry” for expansion after it moved to snap up a second hydro power site for Perth-based power giant SSE.
Mr Round joined the business this month after leaving his previous role with wave power developer Aquamarine Power.
The move has freed up former GHR managing director Ian Cartwright to become chief operating officer, a role that will see him take the lead in developing the firm’s generation portfolio.