A new double hydro scheme in Highland Perthshire has been opened by finance secretary John Swinney.
The company behind the venture, Atholl hydro ltd (AHL), recently completed the two hydro electric run of river schemes which will be powered by average annual rainfall of 981mm.
The schemes at Dowally, Perthshire, produce 436 and 464kw of electricity respectively from water carried from burn intakes to the power stations using 1.7Km of polyethylene pipes buried below the ground.
Opening the centre Mr Swinney said he was impressed with the success of the scheme.
He said: "It's a great pleasure to open this ambitious venture and I commend the vision and planning of Athol Hydro ltd and Gilkes Energy in bringing this installation on line.
"I know only too well that getting renewable energy schemes off the ground can be a time consuming and frustrating endeavour due usually to planning concerns and grid connection issues.
"The success of this scheme is due in no small measure to the environmental mitigation measures designed in from the outset and its proximity to existing grid infrastructure.
"Renewable energy lies at the heart of both Scotland's energy future and our international economy. Micro generation schemes, such as this substantial one here in Dowaly, are critical to the success of this ambition. I am hopeful that the success of Athol Hydro Ltd in this project will prove inspirational to other developers."
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