The public are being invited to see green energy in action across Scotland from Shetland down to the Solway coast on the 13th-14th June as part of the Scottish Renewables Festival 2009.

Renewable energy projects of all different scales, types and settings are being opened up to the public over the weekend demonstrating their role in tackling climate change using the power of wind, wave, wood, water and the sun.

Renewable electricity projects that generate enough power to light up nearly 2.4m light bulbs over a year will be open to the public over the weekend.

It is the first time in Scotland that a range of technologies will be demonstrated opening a number of closed doors to the public. The festival will be featuring some of the oldest renewable electricity schemes such as Pitlochry Hydro Power station built nearly 60 years ago, alongside brand new hydro schemes, wood fuel power plants, wave power projects undergoing testing, and wind technology ranging from full scale windfarms through to individual backyard turbines.


In addition to electricity, renewable heating projects using wood, sun, ground and air source heat pumps will feature showing how individual consumers can put renewables into their own homes, offices and community buildings. Event hosts range from individual householders to communities from Cardenden to Findhorn.

Organisations from the RSPB to Highlands and Islands Enterprise, and from small Scottish companies to some of the biggest corporations in Europe will also be working together in opening their doors to the public. Related events, exhibitions, guided walks and film screenings will also be taking place alongside technology demonstrations.

Jason Ormiston, Chief Executive of Scottish Renewables said: "We expect visitors to Scottish Renewables Festival sites to have an enlightening experience because they will see renewables in action, be able to ask questions, be inspired to do their own thing with renewable energy or speak up for Scotland’s most exciting industry.

"Not only do the selected projects help us tackle climate change but they literally help to keep the lights on - nearly 2.4m in fact. We would urge everyone who has an interest in renewable energy to get themselves along to a site near you."

(GK/JM)