The North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board

Hydro-Electric Power has long been a vital part of renewable energy in Scotland. The North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board (NSHEB). was formed in 1941. It was given the task of creating several new schemes, including at Tummel and Loch Sloy. A major aim of the board at this time was to supply electricity to more rural Scottish areas. These new power supplies have also served to attract more industry to the Highlands. While the new or improved access roads created during hydro-power schemes’ construction have served to open up remote areas to tourism.

                                    Hydro-Electric Schemes

The bulk of the hydro-electric industry was developed from the 1950’s onwards. It currently(2023) produces 1.668 MW (megawatts) from developments in the highlands. These are in areas such as the Tummel scheme which produces 245 megawatts(MW’s) at the present time. In addition there is the Breadalbane scheme which produces 120 megawatts(MW).   These were built in several “schemes” of linked stations, These each covered a catchment area, whereby the same water may generate power several times as it descends.

                                     Power for Industry

Some of the hydro-electric power stations were built to provide energy to the aluminum smelting industry. This was a significant employer in the highlands at the time. It is estimated that as much as another 1.200 megawatts(MW) of capacity remains available to exploit. This is  mostly in the form of micro and small-hydro developments  such as the existing one in Knoydart and a system that is currently planned for Kingussie.  A 100 megawatt(MW) dam was opened in 2009 at Glendoe and was the first large scale project to be constructed since 1959.