Feature
Scott Wilson first provided consultancy services to the
hydropower industry more than 80 years ago and with
the current worldwide opportunities in this increasingly
popular market this legacy looks set to continue.
POWERING AHEAD
Back in 1926, Scott Wilson began value our technical expertise and our
work on the Mulungushi Hydro project understanding of their business.”
in Zambia. The project, which is still An experienced core team is
going strong, marked the first for based in Ashford. There are limited
Scott Wilson in hydropower and began opportunities for hydropower in
a service that is now globally ranked the UK and the majority of
within the top ten. Scott Wilson’s projects are located
Mike McWilliams is a director in Africa, South Asia and South East environmental management and social
at the Ashford office in the UK and Asia. To date, Scott Wilson has worked impact studies to provide a complete
has been working on hydropower on hydropower projects in 60 countries package to clients.
projects with Scott Wilson for the worldwide. As with many of Current projects are located across
last 30 years. He has seen a rise of 15 different countries, from Brazil to
“”
Zambia and Scotland to Laos.
They include the Dal Hydropower
As an international leader in hydro consultancy, we have a project in Sudan, which is a
robust reputation. Our clients value our technical expertise
component of a planned cascade of
and our understanding of their business.
hydropower schemes on the River
Nile. The Dal project is the last of
these before the Nile enters Egypt.
Mike McWilliams The project comprises a low dam of
around 30 metres and a powerhouse
Scott Wilson’s projects, teams with some 600 MW of turbine-
interest in hydropower over recent from different locations across generators.
years which he attributes to a number the world collaborate on hydro Scott Wilson, in association with
of factors. “The major opportunities projects, contributing many aspects EDF, is undertaking a review of the
we are experiencing worldwide of hydropower including hydrology, previous studies, a pre-feasibility
at present have resulted from the geology, geomorphology, civil study comparing ‘high’ and ‘low’ Dal
renewed endorsement of hydro by engineering, road and bridge design, options and a feasibility study of the
funding agencies and new financing
and concession structures. In addition,
high fossil fuel prices have made
hydro a cheaper and more attractive
alternative. It is also a ‘green’ issue,
as hydro’s role in greenhouse gas
abatement makes it a first choice for
renewable generation.”
A Sustainable Future
Scott Wilson is certainly benefiting
from this upsurge, with a strong
demand for its services. “We have
a long list of current projects, a full
2009/10 order book and a significant
number of contracts beyond this.”
continues Mike. “The majority of
demand is for specialist staff and we
work closely with local staff on our
overseas projects. As an international
leader in hydro consultancy, we
have a robust reputation. Our clients
10 exchange Summer 2009 | www.scottwilson.com
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