SSE has announced a £70 million investment to repower the Lochay Hydro Power Station in Perthshire, Scotland, using modern turbine technology.

The refurbishment, led by SSE Renewables, aims to extend the 45MW hydro-electric power station's operational life by at least 40 years. The station, commissioned in 1958, currently generates around 170GWh of renewable energy annually.

Located in Killin, Lochay Power Station is the largest and highest producing hydro-electric power station in the Breadalbane scheme. The repowering will replace all main generation components with modern, efficient technology, improving power generation output without increasing water volumes. The existing building and civil infrastructure will be retained.

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Construction will begin in April 2025, supporting Scotland's regional supply chain and creating up to 80 construction jobs at peak. The project is expected to be completed in 2028, coinciding with the station's 70th anniversary.

"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," said Robert Bryce, Director of Hydro, SSE Renewables. "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.”

Key contractors for the project include:

• Voith Hydro (Lead Mechanical and Electrical Contractor)

• Global Infrastructure (Enabling Works)

• AJT Engineering Ltd (Automatic Self Closing Valve)

• Stantec (Civil Design)

• Konecranes Demag UK (Station Crane Modernization)

• McDonald Scaffolding (Scaffolding Contractor)

SSE Renewables will engage with stakeholders and the local community before construction begins.