Civil and mechanical works have been completed as part of SSE’s £80m refurbishment of Lochay Hydro Power Station in Perthshire, Scotland, marking a key milestone in the multi-year refurbishment programme.  

Significant progress is being made at the Lochay plant where main construction works continue to repower the historic site and extend its operational life by at least 40 years. More than 80,000 working hours have been recorded on site by the project construction team led by principal contractor Global Infrastructure since the refurbishment programme began in April 2025. 

Originally commissioned in 1958, the 45MW hydro power station is undergoing a major refurbishment programme to improve efficiency and output while maintaining existing water volumes, ensuring Lochay continues to play a vital role in Scotland’s renewable energy system. 

The first of two new turbine generating units is currently being installed and is expected to be commissioned later this year. Phase 2 rebuild works are also now underway, progressing the next stage of the project. 

Graeme Leitch, project manager at SSE Renewables, said: “This milestone reflects the strong progress being delivered across the Lochay refurbishment project. Working in close partnership with our principal contractor Global Infrastructure and our wider supply chain, the team has successfully completed major civil and mechanical works and is now moving into the next phase of installation and commissioning.

“This investment will help ensure Lochay continues to provide reliable renewable electricity for many decades to come.”

Expected to be completed in 2028, coinciding with its 70th anniversary, the repowering of Lochay Power Station will see it commissioned with an uprated export capacity of 51MW, supporting SSE’s wider programme to modernise its hydro fleet and maximise generation from existing renewable assets.