Work to repower Perthshire’s iconic Tummel Bridge Power Station near Pitlochry will commence next week. SSE Renewables is investing £50 million in the upgrade works which will increase the station’s potential power output from 34 to 40 megawatts (MW).
The repowering of the power station is expected to extend its operational life by at least 30 years. This means the Tummel Bridge Hydro plant will be running in the power system of 2050 and so will play a continuing role in harnessing hydro power for a net-zero future in Scotland and the UK.
The work will involve replacing the station’s two turbines, which were installed when Tummel Bridge started producing energy in 1933, with modern units.
The work is expected to take 18 months to complete with most activity contained within the existing building.
Director of Operations for SSE Renewables, Jerry Williamson said:
“Tummel Bridge Power Station has operated without any major upgrade work since it opened in 1933 and the two turbines at the heart of the station’s operations are nearly 90 years old.
“Replacing the existing machinery and infrastructure is necessary for Tummel Bridge to continue operating for many years to come and the works we’re undertaking will secure local jobs and supply chain opportunities and extend Tummel’s working life to at least 2050.
“Whilst we don’t expect any issues we will be working closely with the local communities during the works to minimise any potential disruption and I would like to thank local residents and businesses in advance for their cooperation during this time.
“SSE Renewables has a rich heritage of hydro development in the North of Scotland and I am pleased and proud that Tummel Bridge Power Station will continue to contribute to Scotland and the UKs’ net zero targets for many years to come.”
Timeline of works
- Early April 2022: Power outage begins in preparation for works
- Late spring/early summer 2022: Removal of the existing units and foundations begins
- Autumn/winter 2022: Pouring of circa 4,500 tonnes of concrete
- January 2023: Installation of machinery and electrical equipment commences
- Mid-summer 2023: Return to service of Unit One Turbine
- Autumn 2023: Return to service of Unit Two Turbine
SSE Renewables expects the delivery of the works programme to help support the Scottish regional supply chain and local job creation, with up to 65 construction roles supported at peak.
Key contractors appointed including regional Scottish supply chain
- Voith Hydro, a leading manufacturer of hydropower turbines and generators, has been appointed as lead Mechanical and Electrical (M&E) contractor for the project. Voith previously supported SSE Renewables in 2020 in successfully modernising the second machine of its Foyers pumped storage power station near Inverness, Scotland.
- Stantec, an industry leader in hydro power plant design and upgrades with bases in Edinburgh and Glasgow, is leading on Civil Design and has been supporting SSE Renewables on the refurbishment project since Autumn 2018.
- Inverness-headquartered Global Infrastructure, a leading civil engineering and construction contractor, has been appointed to undertake enabling works including site establishment, superstructure bracing work, and general site readiness. Global Infrastructure’s enabling contract is also expected to support a host of local and UK-based subcontractors.
- Global Energy Group at Port of Nigg in Cromarty Firth has been appointed for Forebay Stoplog fabrication and Tailrace Gate modifications, while the contract for Corrosion Protection works on the penstocks, or water intake structures, has been awarded to Rosyth-based KAEFER.
- The contract to modernise and upgrade the 88-year-old 120 tonne station crane has been awarded to Konecranes Demag UK at East Kilbride. McDonald Scaffolding from Invergordon has been appointed as scaffolding contractor.