SSE Renewables has announced that work to repower Perthshire’s iconic Tummel Bridge Power Station near Pitlochry will commence next week.
The renewables developer is investing £50m (€59m)in the upgrade works which will increase the station’s potential power output from 34MW to 40MW.
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.
SSE Renewables director of operations 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.”