SSE has announced it is to invest £70 million over the next three years to repower Lochay Hydro Power Station in Perthshire with modern and efficient turbine technology.
The refurbishment by SSE Renewables of the existing 45MW hydro-electric power station, which was commissioned in 1958, is expected to extend its operational life by at least another 40 years.
Located in Killin, Lochay Power Station is the largest and highest producing hydro-electric power station in the Breadalbane scheme. It currently delivers around 170GWh of renewable generation each year.
The refurbishment works will see all main generation components inside the Lochay station being replaced with modern, efficient technology which will result in improved hydro power generation output without the need for any increase in water volumes. All existing building and civil infrastructure from the 1950s construction will be retained, SSE said.
SSE Renewables will commence main construction works in April 2025 supporting Scotland’s regional supply chain and boosting local job creation. The delivery of the three-year programme is expected to support up to 80 construction roles at peak.
Key contractors appointed include Voith Hydro, a manufacturer of hydropower turbines and generators, which has been appointed as lead mechanical and electrical (M&E) contractor for the project. Voith previously supported SSE Renewables in turbine and generator refurbishment projects at Deanie and Grudie Bridge power stations in Scotland and was also the main M&E contractor for the recently completed Tummel replant project.
The delivery of the re-powering programme will also support Scotland’s regional supply chain, helping sustain and create local jobs in the Highlands for the duration of the works, SSE added.
Inverness-headquartered Global Infrastructure, a civil engineering and construction contractor, has been appointed to undertake enabling works including site establishment and general site readiness. Global Infrastructure’s enabling contract is also expected to support a host of local and UK-based subcontractors.
AJT Engineering Ltd, based in Aberdeen, has been appointed to design, procure, and install the automatic self closing valve protecting the steel penstock supplying the station, as well as assessment and re-coating the internals of the penstock supported by a specialist painting contractor Jack Tighe.
Stantec, a specialist in hydro power plant design and upgrades with bases in Edinburgh and Glasgow, will lead on civil design aspects and has been supporting SSE Renewables on the refurbishment project through its development.
The contract to modernise and upgrade the 70-year-old 60 tonne station crane has been awarded to Konecranes Demag UK at East Kilbride, with key enabling works already completed in November/December 2024. McDonald Scaffolding from Invergordon has been appointed as scaffolding contractor.
Robert Bryce, director of hydro at SSE Renewables, said, “The announcement of a £70 million refurbishment programme for Lochay Power Station further cements hydro’s vital role in the path to achieving UK and Scottish net zero carbon emissions targets, whilst supporting the wider industry supply chain. As with many of our hydro stations, Lochay has been a key part of the energy landscape for generations and this latest chapter will ensure it remains so for decades to come.”
SSE Renewables said it will engage with key stakeholders and the local community ahead of main construction works starting in mid-April. The re-powering works are expected to be completed in 2028, coinciding with the power station’s 70th anniversary.
