Cia Aig Hydro Project


RWE npower renewables is proposing to develop a new run of river hydroelectric generating scheme on the Abhainn Chia-aig river, located at the eastern end of Loch Arkaig, approximately 15km to the north of Fort William, Scotland.


The scheme would generate up to 2.7 megawatts (MW) or 2,700 kilowatts (kW) of electricity, which is enough to meet the annual average energy needs of about 1500 homesFN.


In September 2009, RWE npower renewables applied (under Section 36 of the Electricity Act (1989)) to Scottish Ministers for consent to construct and operate the scheme.


A water licence has also been sought from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency under the Controlled Activities Regulations.


The main components of the scheme include: 

  • An intake weir on the Abhainn Chia-aig river.
  • A buried pipe from the intake to the powerhouse.
  • A powerhouse and discharge of returning water via a tailrace upstream from the Cia Aig waterfall.

  • A power cable from the powerhouse to connect to the nearby overhead power lines.


    Cia Aig River

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Footnote
Energy predicted to be generated by the scheme is derived using available flows monitored at the site and applying trends from RWE npower renewables' existing hydro portfolio located across the UK and the predicted station efficiency. 
 
Equivalent homes supplied is based on an annual electricity consumption per home of 4700 kWh.  This figure is supported by recent domestic electricity consumption data available from The Digest of UK Energy Statistics and household estimates and projections from the UK Statistics Authority.