| Refurbishment & modernisation


as levels are held at eight different heights during the re-filling process. The speed at which it re-fills will be influenced by


the prevailing weather conditions in early 2026, but the trust is hopeful by the summer, the reservoir will be fully restored as a community resource for sailing, angling and swimming.


Scottish plans SSE has unveiled plans to repower Lochay


hydropower station in Perthshire, Scotland, with modern and efficient turbine technology. Refurbishment of the existing 45MW hydroelectric power station, which was commissioned in 1958, is expected to breathe at least another 40 years of operational life into the scheme, ensuring it continues to play a vital role in the UK and Scotland’s renewable energy system for decades to come. Located in Killin, Lochay currently delivers around 170GWh of renewable generation each year. The refurbishment works will see all main generation components being replaced with modern, efficient technology which will result in improved hydro power generation output without the need for any increased water volumes. All existing building and civil infrastructure from the1950s construction will be retained. Main construction works began in April 2025, with delivery of the three-year programme expected to support up to 80 construction roles at its peak. Robert Bryce, Director of Hydro, SSE Renewables said this announcement “further cements hydro’s vital role in the path to achieving UK and Scottish net zero carbon emissions targets”. “As with many of our hydro stations,” he added, “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 works are expected to be


completed in 2028, coinciding with the station’s 70th anniversary. Key contractors appointed for the project include: Voith Hydro – appointed as lead mechanical and electrical (M&E) contractor. Voith previously supported SSE Renewables in turbine and generator refurbishment projects at Deanie and Grudie Bridge power stations in Scotland and was also the main M&E contractor for the recently completed Tummel replant project (see below). Global Infrastructure – an Inverness-headquartered civil engineering and construction contractor appointed to undertake enabling works including site establishment and general site readiness, and expected to support a host of local and UK-based subcontractors. AJT Engineering Ltd – based in Aberdeen and 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 specialist painting contractor Jack Tighe. Stantec – with bases in Edinburgh and Glasgow, is leading on civil design aspects and has been supporting SSE Renewables on the refurbishment project through its development. Konecranes Demag UK – based in East Kilbride and awarded the contract to modernise and upgrade the 70-year-old, 60 tonne station crane. McDonald Scaffolding – from Invergordon and appointed as scaffolding contractor.


Refurbishment complete SSE also recently completed a £50 million


refurbishment of Perthshire’s iconic Tummel Bridge Power Station, increasing its potential generation from 34 to 40MW during optimum conditions. Such


Top: The new spillway staircase and concrete turrets to slow the waterflow are now almost complete at Toodbrook


Above: Toddbrook project manager Dilwyn Parry, from the Canal & River Trust, at the top of the new spillway channel


Below: Foundations have been installed to support a new bridge over the overflow channel at the bottom of the spillway. The dam’s concrete panels will be removed at the end of the construction project and the slope grassed over


www.waterpowermagazine.com | June 2025 | 33


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