SSE to invest £70 million to repower Lochay hydropower station

SSE will invest £70 million over the next three years to repower Lochay Hydro Power Station in Perthshire, Scotland. The refurbishment aims to update the 45MW hydroelectric plant, commissioned in 1958, with modern turbine technology.

The project is expected to extend the station’s operational life by at least 40 years, ensuring its continued role in the UK and Scotland’s renewable energy system. Located in Killin, Lochay Power Station is the largest and highest producing hydro plant in the Breadalbane scheme, generating approximately 170GWh of renewable energy each year.

As part of the refurbishment, all main generation components at the plant will be replaced with efficient technology, boosting hydro power generation without increasing water volumes. The plant’s original 1950s building and civil infrastructure will remain intact.

Construction work is scheduled to begin in April 2025 and will create up to 80 construction jobs at its peak. SSE Renewables aims to support Scotland’s regional supply chain through the project.

Robert Bryce, Director of Hydro at 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.”

The repowering project is expected to be completed by 2028, coinciding with the power station’s 70th anniversary.

Several contractors have been appointed, including Voith Hydro, which will act as the lead Mechanical and Electrical (M&E) contractor. Voith has previously worked with SSE on other projects, including Deanie and Grudie Bridge power stations, and was also the main M&E contractor for the recently completed Tummel replant project.

Global Infrastructure, based in Inverness, will handle site preparation and enabling works, while AJT Engineering Ltd from Aberdeen will manage the design and installation of a protective valve for the steel penstock. Stantec, with offices in Edinburgh and Glasgow, will lead the civil design aspects of the refurbishment.

The contract to modernise the station’s 60-tonne crane has been awarded to Konecranes Demag UK, and scaffolding works will be carried out by McDonald Scaffolding from Invergordon.