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Hydropower scheme 'planned for Scotland'

A proposed hydropower scheme may help Scotland to meet its renewable energy generation target by the year 2020.

The Guardian reported that the Forum for Renewable Energy will likely call for hydroelectricity to be expanded in Scotland this summer.

While 12 per cent of Scotland's power is currently generated though around 70 hydroelectric dams, it is thought that plans could see more dams built.

The country's current renewable targets specify that Scotland should aim to generate around one-half of its electricity through renewable sources in the next 12 years.

According to Alan Ervine, professor of water engineering at Glasgow University, hydropower is a well-known technology and could be applied in Scotland.

"It's something we know how to do; we can power it up and do it effectively in Scotland, compared to the risk-taking which is involved with wind, wave and tidal turbines," he said.

Hydroelectricity's main advantages are that it is reliable and environmentally-friendly, according to the British Hydropower Association.

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