Hydroelectric companies are being urged to review a new water consultation report that has the potential to influence the way water is used in the Scottish electricity generation sector.
The Significant Water Management Issues report was published by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) today (9 October 2007) and highlights the threats to Scotland’s water from user demands. It identifies the impacts upon the water environment caused by abstractions and dams and proposes actions and improvements necessary for sustaining the water environment. These could affect the hydroelectric sector so it is important for the industry to have its say.
Scotland’s water supports 23 major hydro schemes along with a further 74 small, privately owned schemes. SEPA is also regularly receiving applications for new hydropower schemes.
Dr Chris Spray MBE, SEPA’s Director of Environmental Science, said, "Hydropower is an important source of renewable energy which helps to tackle greenhouse gas emissions in Scotland. Its impact on Scotland’s rivers and lochs, however, is significant; affecting freshwater plant and animal life as well as recreational uses such as fishing and canoeing. We are now at a stage when more than 15% of rivers and 40% of lochs are at risk of failing to meet the necessary environmental objectives because of hydropower.
"This is a very difficult balance to strike: Scotland needs renewable energy supplies but not at any price. We need to get the balance right in the development of new hydropower schemes, and in considering how to apply good environmental practice to existing schemes. We want to increase renewable energy generation whilst minimising the harm to the water environment itself and to other users of the water environment.
"The outcome of this consultation will help shape the way the water environment is regulated, cared for and monitored. This will both improve the environment and protect the interests of those who depend on it for drinking water, business and recreation."
A number of organisations worked together in the preparation of this report, including Scottish and Southern Energy. Renewable Generation Manager, Peter Donaldson said, "Scottish and Southern Energy own and operate the majority of hydro in Scotland. We are confident that when further work is carried out the majority of our installations will not be included in the ‘at risk’ list and that by working together with SEPA and other stakeholders significant progress will be achieved towards reducing the impact of the remaining sites without reducing the output of renewable energy. We feel that any reduction in renewable energy from existing hydro power stations would be contrary to the Scottish Government’s Renewable Energy Policy and to common sense. The case study on the River Garry, which is published alongside this report, is an excellent example of what could be achieved, through constructive dialogue and we look forward to our continuing involvement with the consultation process."
Dr David Summers, Fisheries Manager of the Tay District Salmon Fisheries Board, said, "We are very pleased that a real opportunity is now afforded to rectify the excessive damage caused by some of Scotland’s earlier hydro schemes, such as the River Garry which has been completely dried out since the 1950s. However, unless society accepts some modest loss of hydropower generation, there can be little doubt that relatively little ecological benefit will arise from any changes hydropower operators may make. We believe the loss of energy required to make a significant ecological difference to rivers like the Garry would be insignificant in national terms and we look forward to engaging with SEPA and other stakeholders in a constructive debate to ensure the correct balance is struck between environmental needs and the interests of private companies."
Anyone interested in having their say has until 8 April 2008 to send in their responses. These can be sent by writing to Significant Water Management Issues team, Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), Clearwater House, Heriot Watt University Research Park, Avenue North, Riccarton, Edinburgh EH14 4AP; by email to rbmp@sepa.org.uk or via our website www.sepa.org.uk.
