An ongoing £50 million upgrade of a Highland Perthshire hydro power plant is the largest single investment Perth-based SSE Renewables has made to its infrastructure in recent times, bosses have said.
The works at Tummel Bridge Power Station to replace its two existing near 90-year-old turbines with brand new units started in Spring this year and staff are currently predicting a further 14 months will be needed to complete the project.
Perthshire North MSP John Swinney and Highland Perthshire councillor Mike Williamson heard during a recent guided tour around the plant once the work is finished its capacity to produce energy will have increased from 34MW to 40MW.
They were told the upgrade will help contribute to SSE Renewables’s aim to double its overall renewable energy capacity to 8GW by 2026 and eventually build it up to over 13GW by 2031.
SSE finance director Gregor Alexander remarked: “Hydro is Scotland’s original renewable energy source and will continue to play a massive role long into the future. This is the largest single investment SSE Renewables has made in the refurbishment of its existing hydro fleet in recent times.
“The £50m investment will help secure local jobs and supply chain opportunities by extending Tummel’s operational life by at least 40 years, increase its potential power output and support SSE Renewables’ commitment to significantly contribute to government net zero targets.”
John Swinney MSP commented: “The £50m investment being made by SSE to refurbish, modernise and future-proof this vital hydro station is really welcome.
“It’s an impressive project to see - it’s essentially stripping out all of the infrastructure that’s been here before but it’s so impressive to see the way in which that’s been done in such an orderly and organised fashion.”
Councillor Williamson added: “Tummel Bridge is a vital part of the local economy and it’s great to see SSE Renewables investing in the future of the hydro station which will ensure the requirement of skilled jobs in the area.
“Not only is it good for the local economy but by upgrading the hydro station it will increase the power output which is great news for achieving net zero targets.”
