Historic hydro power stations could fit solar panels

Hundreds of solar panels could be fitted to eight historic hydro power stations across the south west of Scotland.

Renewable energy giant Drax is exploring the option for its sites in Galloway and Lanark - some of which date back nearly 100 years.

If the plans go ahead they would meet the back-up power needs of the hydro sites which it currently pays to get from the local electricity grid.

The company said that although its proposals were at an early stage the potential impact was "significant".

Drax bought the hydro scheme - which provides enough energy to power more than 400,000 homes - in late December 2018.

The Lanark system is made up of two power stations – one at Bonnington near New Lanark and one at Stonebyres near Lanark.

It is one of the oldest in the UK and was commissioned in 1926.

The Galloway scheme opened nine years later and comprises six power stations at Drumjohn, Kendoon, Carsfad, Earlstoun, Glenlee and Tongland which run from north of Carsphairn to near Kirkcudbright.

Plant manager for Drax's hydro-electric power schemes in Galloway and Lanark, Martin McGhie, confirmed its proposals.

"By generating renewable electricity on-site, we aim to power the schemes' auxiliary systems sustainably, supporting the operation of the core power generation components at each plant," he explained

"Although these proposals are still at an early stage and subject to final design work and planning approvals, the potential is significant.

"The solar installations could generate up to 482 MWh of clean electricity each year, enabling us to generate hydro power with solar energy, and further reinforce our commitment to renewable generation."

If they go ahead, the plans would see about 1,500 solar panels installed across the eight hydro power stations.

The panels would be fitted to the rooftops of the sites and be able to meet the auxiliary power needs of the facilities.