Renewable energy leader Drax is set to usher in a new dawn of sustainability for its historic Lanark and Galloway hydro schemes through installing state-of-the-art solar power panels across both sites.
The ambitious plan involves placing approximately 1,500 solar panels across the rooftops of the eight power stations that comprise the two schemes. The renewable electricity generated will primarily power the schemes’ own operations, while any surplus energy will be fed into the local distribution network, benefiting nearby homes and businesses.
This initiative aligns with Drax’s commitment to achieving net zero emissions across its value chain by the end of 2040. The company has already made substantial strides toward this target, having reduced total group supply chain emissions by an impressive 27% since 2020.
Ian Kinnaird, Drax’s FlexGen Assets Director, said: “We’re delighted to launch this solar power initiative at our historic Lanark and Galloway hydroelectric projects, marking a significant milestone in our sustainability journey. By combining modern solar panels with our historic hydro systems, we’re boosting our renewable electricity generation whilst reducing our environmental footprint.
“This project will not only power our own operations more efficiently but also deliver surplus electricity to the local grid, supporting homes and businesses in the area. These power stations have made a remarkable contribution to Scotland’s energy needs, generating renewable electricity for almost a century. Through this project, we are setting them up for a bright future for many more years to come.”
Both schemes are two of the most historically important hydro facilities in Scotland. Lanark, whose two power stations sit on the river Clyde, was completed in 1927 and is designated as a site of national architectural importance. The much larger Galloway scheme, which consists of six power stations and eight dams, also has protected status owing to its “finely detailed Modernist classical design”.
