SSE to repower 45MW Lochay Hydro Power Station

SSE Renewables has announced plans to invest £70 million ($89 million) over the next three years to repower Lochay Hydro Power Station in Perthshire, Scotland.

The refurbishment 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.

This will ensure the station can continue to play a vital role in the UK and Scotland’s renewable energy system for decades to come.

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 the1950s construction will be retained.

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SSE Renewables will commence main construction works in April 2025, with repowering works expected to be completed in 2028, coinciding with the power station’s 70th anniversary.

Robert Bryce, director of Hydro, 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.”

Voith Hydro has been appointed as lead Mechanical and Electrical (M&E) contractor for the project, with Stantec leading on civil design aspects.

Inverness-headquartered Global Infrastructure has been appointed to undertake enabling works including site establishment and general site readiness.

AJT Engineering Ltd 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 recoating the internals of the penstock supported by a specialist painting contractor Jack Tighe.

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.