Foyers hydro power station, located on the shores of Loch Ness, is undergoing an £8 million refurbishment programme which will extend its life for years to come.
The power station has generated electricity in the local area since 1896 when it served the aluminium smelter until its closure in 1971. In 1974, the Foyers combined pumped storage and conventional hydro-electric scheme began operation and the £8 million refurbishment programme being undertaken by SSE will see the replacement of three key components which have reached the end of their operational lives.
Jo Simpson, SSE's Foyers Plant Manager, said: "Replacing these components will help to ensure the continued safe, reliable and efficient long-term operation of Foyers power station. The crane trolley assembly is the original one installed in 1974 and the main inlet valves have been in operation since 1974 with a mid-life overhaul in the 1990's. The new modern components will serve the power station for decades to help maximise its availability to generate hydro-powered electricity."
The first component, an internal crane trolley assembly, is expected to be delivered on the afternoon of Thursday 5 September 2013. This will be preceded by the arrival of a large crane which is expected on the morning of Wednesday 4 September. The remaining components, two main inlet valves are expected to be delivered in November ready for replacing the existing valves in 2014. More information about these deliveries will be given nearer the time, once delivery dates have been confirmed.