Perthshire’s Tummel Bridge Power Station in Scotland is generating renewable electricity once again following the successful installation and energisation of the first of two new hydro power turbines.
SSE Renewables’ £50m investment to repower the hydro station which, once complete, will increase its output from 34MW to 40MW during optimum conditions.
The project involves the replacement of the site’s two original “Camel Back” twin-runner, horizontal Francis turbines, which were installed in 1933, with new modern runner technology that will extend the power station’s working life by at least 40 years.
The new units will significantly improve efficiency and enable a higher generation output by extracting the maximum energy from the available water.
The project team will continue to focus on the second turbine, which is installed and now undergoing dry commissioning tests.
The machine is expected to be energised and operational by mid-summer 2024.
SSE Renewables director of hydro asset management Neil Lannen said: “This is one of the largest investments we have made to our existing hydro fleet in recent times.
“This project demonstrates our ongoing commitment to invest in hydro power, so we’re proud to reach such a significant milestone in the Tummel Bridge Power Station replant.
“Hydro power has a vital role to play in our path to achieving net zero carbon emissions in the UK by 2050 and this investment will ensure Tummel Bridge continues to play a crucial role in Scotland’s energy mix for generations to come.
“The project is a perfect example of extending the working life of a station which has successfully generated clean, green energy for around 90 years.
“Getting to this point in the project wouldn’t have been possible without the commitment of our contract partners.
“We would also like to thank the local community for their continued cooperation as our attention now turns to the installation and commissioning of the second turbine unit, which is expected to be completed this summer.”
Inverness-headquartered Global Infrastructure has operated as principal contractor for the duration of the project, establishing and controlling a complex site, coordinating and managing the safety and work packages of all contracting staff and visitors and delivered enabling works including site establishment, superstructure bracing work, and general site readiness.
Global also successfully managed the complex dismantling of the original 90-year-old equipment, complete civil works to remove original foundations within the powerhouse down to bedrock and reinstate a new foundation for the plant.
Stantec, with bases in Edinburgh and Glasgow, has led on civil design as well as supporting the engineering team; and Voith, a leading manufacturer of hydropower turbines and generators, has led on the mechanical and Electrical (M&E) elements of the project.