SSE has marked a major milestone in its £80 million overhaul of Lochay Power Station in Perthshire, with the first of two new turbine generating units now installed, commissioned and back in commercial service.

The 45MW hydro station, first brought online in 1958, is undergoing an extensive repowering to improve efficiency and output while extending its operational life by at least 40 years.

The commissioning of Unit 1 represents a significant advance in the multi-year programme. As part of the works, equipment that had been in place since the station's original commissioning nearly seven decades ago has been removed and replaced, including the installation of an entirely new turbine and generator.

Unit 1 returned to electricity production in late September, its first output since the unit was taken offline for refurbishment in April 2025. Commissioning has since been completed and the upgraded unit has been handed back to operational teams.

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Robert Bryce, Director of Hydro at SSE Renewables, said: "Commissioning the first of Lochay's two new turbine generating units is a major milestone for everyone involved in the refurbishment project. It's a real testament to the hard work and expertise of our teams and the various contractors involved in delivering such a complex programme, from dismantling equipment that had been in place since the station was first commissioned to installing and commissioning a completely new turbine and generator.

"Returning Unit 1 to commercial operation is an important step towards securing Lochay's future for at least another 40 years. With the next phase of the refurbishment due to get under way in Spring next year, we'll be building on the experience and lessons from the work completed so far."

With Unit 1 now back in service, both Unit 1 and Unit 2 will be available for commercial operation over the winter period. Lochay will then be taken out of service in spring 2027 to begin the next phase on Unit 2, which includes installing the second new turbine generating unit.

The full refurbishment programme is expected to complete in 2028, coinciding with Lochay's 70th anniversary, and forms part of SSE's wider drive to modernise its hydro fleet and maximise renewable generation from existing assets.

In parallel with the technical upgrades, SSE continues its community engagement in the area, including work with local schools, with recent activities helping young people learn more about opportunities and careers in STEM.