The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) welcomes the Ministerial policy statement on hydropower generation and protection of the water environment. This was published today (21 January 2010) and agreed by both the Minister for the Environment Roseanna Cunningham and the Minister for Enterprise, Energy and Tourism Jim Mather.

Lin Bunten, SEPA's lead on hydropower generation, said: "We are developing supporting guidance on the principles contained in the statement to provide further information to the micro and pico hydro power sector. We intend to consult the membership of the Forum for Renewable Energy Development in Scotland (FREDS) Micro Hydro group and other interested parties on this guidance."

A draft for comment will be provided to relevant parties in advance of the next FREDS Micro Hydro group meeting in March 2010. SEPA would welcome comment both at the meeting and directly to hydro.enquiries@sepa.org.uk, ensuring the phrase 'MPS Comment' is included in the title. Anyone who is interested in receiving a consultation copy can request one through the hydro enquiries email address.

The full Ministerial policy statement is available at www.scotland.gov.uk/299408.