ALMOST £1 million could be invested by Inverclyde Council and Scottish Water to give power to the people.

They are planning to team up to launch a hydro electric scheme at Greenock Cut’s Holeburn.

It could generate £40,000 worth of electricity a year, but would cost £900,000 to set up.

Plans are reaching the detailed design stage, and it is hoped get the project up and running by April 2018.

Council officials have produced a report saying that hydrological studies completed over the past year show that the Holeburn site can provide 100 kilowatts of renewable energy.

The report said: “The proposal to develop small hydro schemes within council and Scottish Water ownership is part of the council’s approach to renewables energy generation.”

The council is allowed to generate and sell electricity from renewable sources under the Sale of Electricity by Local Authorities (Scotland) Regulations 2010.

A number of technical and hydrological surveys have been carried out at various sites, which led to Holeburn being identified.

The report said: “The site for the project and its water catchment area are mostly within the council’s and Scottish Water’s ownerships.

“Subject to detailed design and implementation, a small section of ground may be required for the turbine house, and separate discussions have been held relative to this land-use proposal.”

It is estimated it would take about 15 years to recover the cost of the investment.

The report added: “That is outwith the usual parameters of participation in such a project, but the critical factor, as recognised by the council and Scottish Water, is that the benefits of the partnership allow for the experience gained to be used in the future with other potential locations.”

A final decision will be taken in March, and work will start the following month it gets the go-ahead.