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WWC Technical Visit 1: Harlaw Hydro
Date and time
Location
Harlaw Reservoir
Balerno EH14 United KingdomDescription
Harlaw Reservoir - state-of-the-art micro hydroelectric scheme.
This area has long been the scene of innovative water-related energy generation. From its history powering mills during the Industrial Revolution, Edinburgh’s Water of Leith has played an integral role in city life. A micro-hydro system installed at Harlaw in the 1900s harnessed the new technology of energy generation from gravity and water, displacing fossil fuel generated electricity. For the 21st century, a modern micro hydroelectric scheme is currently being installed via a community-based scheme to utilise the outflow from Harlaw Reservoir and contribute to Scotland’s renewable energy targets. It is estimated the scheme will generate c260,000 kWh of ‘green’ electricity per year – enough for around 56 average homes – and saving 129 tonnes of carbon dioxide.