ENGINEERING services specialist Quartzelec has secured a £15.4 million contract from Drax for the upgrade and refurbishment of two 12MW hydro-electric generators for the Glenlee Hydro Power Station in southern Scotland.
The work forms part of the Galloway Hydro Scheme, which has been generating renewable electricity for nearly 90 years. Backed by a 15-year capacity market agreement valued at approximately £20 million, Drax’s investment is designed to ensure Glenlee continues to play a vital role in the UK’s renewable energy future.
The original English Electric generator units installed in the 1930s have reached end-of-life. Key upgrades for the generators include: single-piece stator frames to simplify installation and improve long-term reliability; the introduction of brushless excitation to reduce maintenance requirements; and enhanced bearing design for improved performance and start-up reliability.
The project includes turbine upgrades such as new runners and guide vanes to increase efficiency.
Andrew Dawson, head of engineering at Quartzelec, said, “We are very proud to be given the opportunity to continue our long-term relationship with Drax on a project as significant as this. Our technical expertise is deeply rooted in the hydro and wider power generation market and we are delighted that we can continue to develop the UK’s renewable power schemes.”
Mike Wynd, head of hydro for Drax, added, “Quartzelec is well regarded as a technical authority in rotating electrical machines, making them the logical choice for this refurbishment. Their ability to align with our project goals and deliver innovative, UK-focused solutions was clear throughout the tendering process.”
The contract is now underway, with installation of the new equipment scheduled during phased unit shutdowns in 2027 and 2028. Once complete,
Stephen Morrison, MD of Quartzelec, commented, “Winning this contract highlights our market-leading capabilities across the power chain. Our skilled engineering teams continue to demonstrate the strength of British engineering in delivering critical infrastructure projects across the hydro, utilities, and wider energy sectors.”
