Did you know that our hydro stations have 49 power tunnels, 99 aqueduct tunnels, 46 access tunnels, and 10 tailrace tunnels – totalling over 200km of aqueduct tunnel and 300km of power tunnels?
All of which contributes to the significant amount of civil infrastructure required in the construction, operation and maintenance 55 hydro sites operated by Renewable Generation.
But what exactly do they do?
- Aqueduct tunnels - intercept and divert water into the direct catchment of the power station.
- Power tunnels - convey the water from the reservoirs to the power stations.
- Access tunnels - provide access to underground power stations or other tunnels.
- Tailrace tunnels - provide a means for underground power stations to return the water back to the surface.
The importance of the tunnels can be demonstrated with the Breadalbane scheme. The power tunnels transfer water to a total of seven power stations, with some of the water being used up to three times for power generation. The aqueduct tunnels almost double the catchment area, increasing the total from the natural 276km2 to an enhanced 517km2.
To find our more about our operation sites, explore our interactive map here or have a look at our Power from the Glens booklet.