HydroNess

HydroNess is a striking sculptural facility that provides green energy for Inverness. Providing nearly 50% of the nearby Inverness Leisure Centre’s electricity, this project forms part of the Highland Council’s target to be net-zero by 2045, reducing reliance on grid supplied energy and giving protection from increasing energy prices.

The site sits at the end of a high amenity riverside trail leading to the Caledonian Canal and beyond. Reusing an existing brownfield site, the client saw HydroNess as an opportunity to create more than a concrete or timber box similar to other hydro schemes in less visible locations. Local artist Claire MacLean was commissioned to produce the original concept drawings which reflect the shape and colours of local salmon. The architect, Leslie Hutt who merged with Oberlanders in 2023, worked with the wider design team to bring the vision to life. 

With Highland Council committed to achieving an exciting realisation of the artistic concept, design drawings were developed, producing a palette of ideas, finishes and details, responding to environmental and planning concerns and completing a detailed brief for design and build procurement.

In parallel, detailed consultation took place with SEPA on hydrology and potential contamination issues, the Ness Fishery Board on protection of their unique asset, Scottish Natural Heritage and community agencies, including local access and environmental officers, ensuring all concerns were addressed.

Using a digital mindset, detailed development of the concept followed a pattern of weekly design team discussions, developing the basic structure through to the finely detailed construction involving 392 individual panels.

Highland Council took the opportunity to work with STEM learning programme to engage school children and the wider community on the issues and benefit of renewable energy. 

The epitome of sustainability, Hydroness was designed to generate 500,000kWh of renewable energy annually, ensuring the Leisure Centre remains readily available and affordable to the community.  The use of steel superstructure and concrete substructure has created a building that is fully recyclable, while remaining robust and capable of withstanding a one in 200-year flood.

With twin 46kw Archimedes screws, HydroNess uses the natural flow of the River Ness to generate electricity and with carbon savings of 142,000kg CO2e per annum (the equivalent of over two thousand tree seedlings grown over ten years). Embodied carbon was minimised where possible through local suppliers and use of surplus material on site where appropriate.

The creation of a building as an exemplar of quality design and engineering, while spreading the knowledge of renewables and hydroelectric power, has produced a building “which is more beautiful than it needs to be “, attracting visitors from all walks of life.