Mactaggart & Mickel Homes harnesses hydro power at Carrongrove

A project to create renewable energy has been completed by TLS Hydro Power Ltd on a site owned by Mactaggart & Mickel Homes at Carrongrove in Denny, Falkirk.

The hydro scheme was delivered by TLS Hydro, a leading independent developer and operator of small hydropower sites, in partnership with the family builder Mactaggart & Mickel Homes.

The 500kW hydro station took a year to complete and has the potential to provide power for up to 500 houses, returning energy sourced from the River Carron back to the national grid.

The project reflects the history of the site which was home to Carrongrove Paper Mill for 180 years and also made use of the natural resource of the River Carron in the manufacturing process. 100% of the water used in the hydro scheme will be returned to the river.

In addition to the green energy that will be produced by the station, a fish ladder was also created to allow local salmon to migrate up the river to spawn. A large weir on the river which was previously used to provide water to the paper mill was identified as a barrier to the movement of migratory fish. The new fish ladder will enable up to 30 km of main river and tributaries to be spawning ground for salmon and sea trout.

Craig Ormond, land manager at Mactaggart & Mickel Homes, said: “This project required a great deal of planning and preparation from all involved and it’s great to see it up and running.

“Sustainability is a core focus of our business and projects like this demonstrate how we build this into the fabric of our developments wherever possible. The hydro scheme makes the most of and supports the natural resources of the River Carron; it’s also a nice nod to the heritage of the site where we intend to progress a new phase of development of private homes over the next few years.”

Ian Almond, hydro engineer at TLS Hydro, said: “We are delighted to have commissioned our Carrongrove Hydropower Station and we are grateful to Mactaggart & Mickel Homes for its ongoing support. The electricity generated in our power station will be enough to supply approximately 500 homes through our sister company, LoCO2 Energy Ltd.

“We are the latest in a long line of industrial history on the River Carron and pleased to play a part in the wider regeneration of the river by installing our Alaskan fish pass enabling salmon and trout populations to flourish.”

The 38 acre site at Carrongrove will bring a range of much needed new homes to Denny.

27 affordable homes have already been delivered in partnership with Falkirk Council and the Scottish Futures Trust to as part of an innovative National Housing Trust scheme.