Hydro Ness announced as finalist for VIBES Awards

Hydro Ness, the ‘Archimedes Screw’ hydro-electric scheme on the River Ness in Inverness has been successfully short-listed as a finalist for The VIBES - Scottish Environment Business Awards.

These Awards are a partnership between the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), The Scottish Government, Energy Saving Trust, Highland & Islands Enterprise, Scottish Enterprise, South of Scotland Enterprise, Scottish Water, Zero Waste Scotland and NatureScot.

The project is one of 45 finalists from across a range of industries including food and drink, construction and life sciences.

Hydro Ness became fully operational on 23 March 2022.

As water from the powerful River Ness flows into the Hydro, it passes through spiral blades forcing the screw to turn. Energy generated from the movement is converted into electricity and fed into the nearby Inverness Leisure Centre, providing roughly 50% of the site’s electricity demand.

Chair of the Highland Council’s Climate Change Committee, Cllr Karl Rosie said: “This is the second prestigious award that Hydro Ness has been short-listed for as the announcement today follows on from the news that the project won the On-shore Renewable Energy Project Award at the recent Scottish Highland Renewable Energy Awards.

He added: "I am so pleased the hard work and commitment of all the staff behind the project has been recognised with a place in the finals. Hydro Ness is a fantastic project and not only do I wish the project success in the VIBE Awards but I look forward to a continued focus on our property estate across the Highlands, and understanding how we may reduce energy consumption with innovative and environmentally sustainable means of providing energy, such as this."       

Cllr Ken Gowns, Chair of the Environment and Infrastructure Committee added: “This is a hugely ambitious project so the team behind it should feel very proud to be short-listed for their work. Energy prices are increasing rapidly, and Hydro Ness showcases how science and nature can work together and benefits Inverness Leisure with electricity generated just a few hundred metres from the building.”