Area Profiles - Lochaber

Lochaber is a predominantly mountainous area with extensive seaboard and a rich diversity of landscapes including Glencoe, Glen Nevis, Great Glen, Knoydart and the Small Isles.

The population of Lochaber in 2001 was 18,740 and the economy has a high dependence on tourism and related activities.  Fort William is the main settlement, accounting for around 60% of the population, followed by Kinlochleven and Mallaig.

Resource based activities include fishing, aquaculture, forestry, quarrying, hydro-power generation and associated smelting, and sporting and recreational activities.

Although the Lochaber area has had a long tradition of involvement in renewable energy via its many hydro-electricity schemes, the newer renewable energy technologies are now stepping into the economic spotlight. Clean energy projects such as wind power, marine energy and biomass are now holding out real hope of bringing significant long term and sustainable economic and social benefits to the Lochaber area.

The alternative energy sector in Lochaber encompasses research and development to commercial and community exploitation of renewable energy potential including emerging technologies such as hydrogen fuel cells. Development will be required to pay regard to the preservation of amenity and the natural environment of the area.

The Highland Renewable Energy Strategy consultation document makes the following observations for the Lochaber area:-

Hydro – long tradition of commercial generation, and widespread potential for small hydro schemes

Bio-energy – Large land area and existing level of forestry activity points to potential importance as a renewable heat source.

On-shore wind – Broad suitability for micro-wind (<10Kw) and local scale opportunities may also exist (<5MW).

Off-shore wind – Cost and technology limitations require to be addressed.

Tidal – Potential locations identified however relationship with other sea users and ecology requires to be resolved.

Prime movers in Lochaber to harness renewable energy are Alcan UK whose aluminium smelting operations are by their nature an energy-intensive process. The company own two hydro-electric power stations to produce energy for their smelter, with any surplus electricity being sold on to the National Grid. As power costs are key to business viability, Alcan are keen to lever economic advantage for their Lochaber plant by expanding renewable energy production. Already they have increased efficiency at their existing hydro schemes and are investigating future possibilities to expand hydro generation and introduce wind power and biomass.

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