Scotland's First Minister, John Swinney MSP, has officially re-opened the iconic Tummel Bridge Power Station following a major £50 million refurbishment by SSE Renewables.

The historic hydro station, a centerpiece of the Tummel Valley Hydro Scheme, has been revitalized with the installation of two new hydro-electric power turbines. This significant investment, one of the largest ever for SSE's hydro fleet, has increased the station's potential generation output from 34 to 40 megawatts (MW).

The refurbishment involved replacing the original turbines, which were installed in 1933, with modern technology that enhances water flow and extends the station's lifespan by at least 40 years. This ensures Tummel Bridge Power Station will continue to play a vital role in Scotland's renewable energy landscape well into the future.

SSE's two-year project supported local jobs and businesses in the Highlands, with around 65 roles created at its peak. The first of the new turbines began generating in March 2024, and the second was energized during testing in May.

The reopening of Tummel Bridge Power Station marks a significant milestone in SSE's commitment to renewable energy and sustainable development in Scotland. The station will now contribute to the country's clean energy goals and provide a reliable source of electricity for years to come.

Mr Swinney, who is MSP for Perthshire North, officially powered up the units at a ceremony hosted by SSE.

First Minister of Scotland, John Swinney, said: "The reopening of Tummel Bridge Power Station marks a significant moment in Scotland's renewable energy journey.

"This £50 million investment ensures that one of our country's iconic hydro stations will continue to play a crucial role in generating clean, sustainable energy. The modernisation of this historic site demonstrates how Scotland's natural resources can be harnessed to support our transition to net zero, while also preserving an important part of our industrial heritage.

"I congratulate everyone involved in successfully bringing this project to fruition and look forward to the long-term benefits it will deliver over the coming decades."

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Martin Pibworth, Chief Commercial Officer, SSE said: "It's a very proud moment for SSE and the Hydro team to host Scotland's First Minister, John Swinney MSP, at Tummel Bridge today.

"This marks an important milestone for SSE Renewables and our supply chain partners.

"The Tummel Bridge refurbishment programme is one of the largest single investments we've made in our existing hydro fleet, and clearly supports hydro's vital role in the path to achieving UK and Scottish net zero carbon emissions targets.

"Tummel Bridge has been a part of the energy landscape for generations and this investment will ensure this iconic and historic site continues to play a crucial role in Scotland's energy mix for decades to come."

A number of contract partners, including regional Scottish supply chain companies, were involved in managing an extremely complex civil project.

Inverness-headquartered Global Infrastructure operated as Principal Contractor for the duration of the project and has been critical to its success.

David MacDonald, Managing Director of Global Infrastructure, said: "This is a good day for all concerned with this interesting project. I am proud Global Infrastructure played a key role in the delivery of this complex project and look forward to further to assisting with similar works in the future.

"The project was a great example of teamwork and collaborative working as a project team. We look forward to working together with both Voith and SSE in the future."

Stantec, with bases in Edinburgh and Glasgow, led on civil design as well as supporting the engineering team.

Craig Scott, Director of Hydropower at Stantec, said: "Refurbishment schemes like Tummel Bridge are an integral piece of our low carbon future. Retrofitting existing energy assets with modern, highly efficient equipment, rather than rebuilding them, brings added value for our clients as well as the communities they serve.

"Both in terms of project costs and carbon reduction. This plant is an important part of local history, culture, and Scottish innovation, and we're proud our staff have been deeply involved in helping secure its future alongside SSE."

Voith Hydro, a leading manufacturer of hydropower turbines and generators, led on the Mechanical and Electrical (M&E) elements of the project.

Dr. Christian Bender, CFO of Voith Hydro Europe, said: "Voith Hydro is proud to be an integral part of this landmark project. The trusted and long-term partnership between SSE and Voith Hydro has been the foundation on which our respective expert teams have worked closely together during the design stage as well as the installation and commissioning phase.

"This partnership has been the driving force behind the project's success and serves as another example of the excellent relationship between both companies."

Other Scottish based supply chains firms involved in project delivery included Global Energy Group at Port of Nigg in Cromarty Firth which was responsible for Forebay Stoplog fabrication and Tailrace Gate modifications, while Rosyth-based KAEFER oversaw Corrosion Protection works on the penstocks, or water intake structures. The team at Konecranes Demag UK at East Kilbride modernised and upgraded the 90-year-old 120 tonne station crane, while McDonald Scaffolding from Invergordon was scaffolding contractor.

The project also contributed to SSE Renewables' sustainability strategy by minimising the creation and disposal of waste through circular solutions. The civil works involved the removal of around 4,000 tonnes of concrete and 1,000 tonnes of steel, almost all of which were recycled or reused, minimising the total waste generated by the project.

Over the course of the site works, the project has received over 700 different people working for approximately 30 different contractors from all over Scotland, the UK and Europe, as well as hundreds of welcomed visitors to Tummel Bridge Power Station.