Renewable energy is often referred to as ‘clean energy’, as it comes from natural sources or processes that are constantly replenished even if their availability depends on time and weather.

Nowadays, we have increasingly innovative and less-expensive ways to capture and retain energy from renewable sources such as water, waves, wind and sun. Hydroelectric power relies on water—typically fast-moving water in a river or rapidly descending water from a high point—and converts the force of that water into electricity by spinning a generator’s turbine blades. Carefully managed, hydro-electric schemes such as the one at Glenachulish do not cause environmental damage, as they divert only a fraction of flow.

Renewable energy is the future as the costs for energy sources that are carbon-based will steadily increase, with regulation and environmental damage being fully priced in.