Lochay Hydro Power Station

Project: Lochay Hydro Power Station
Location: Killin, Perthshire
Client: SSE Renewables

As Principal Contractor for SSE Renewables at Lochay Hydro Power Station in Killin, Global Infrastructure is delivering the planning, coordination, and safe execution of works within a live hydroelectric generation environment. The project forms part of SSE Renewables’ programme to repower the station with modern, more efficient turbine technology, extending its operational life by at least a further 40 years.

On site, Global Infrastructure has also been carrying out all civil works, incorporating old and new systems to ensure the asset is in its optimal position. There are three turbines within the power station, two major and one minor. Originally built around 1958, they have been in continuous operation and are now being upgraded to extend their lifespan. The disposal and dismantle phase has included the removal of existing turbines, generators, and ancillary components.

The main portion of the works has involved the partial removal of an existing concrete foundation and the construction of a new concrete plinth, including a 20T embedded plate for a new generator. This has required concrete cutting using wire ropes, intricate reinforcement, and complex formwork. Due to the nature of a water-driven turbine, achieving very fine tolerances is critical, as any deviation can lead to vibration issues.

Ross Mellon, Contracts Manager, commented: “The Lochay project is a good example of Global Infrastructure’s capabilities... it shows we are diverse. We have had very few issues… safety scores have been high, environmental scores have been high, and the general coordination between all the parties on site has been very good.”

The project was started in April 2025 with the immediate removal of one turbine, generator and associated equipment. Civils works to rebuild the foundation were completed in March 2026 and the full mechanical rebuild is currently underway and due to be complete at the end of 2026. The second turbine will start being dismantled in April 2027. 

Lochay Power Station will be commissioned with an uprated export capacity of 51MW and will be connected via a new substation. This substation forms part of a separate project we’re currently delivering for SSEN Transmission, which is progressing through construction.