Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE) has initiated planning and feasibility studies to build a new dam near the southern end of Loch Ness. The proposed development is expected to produce about 60MW when completed.
The new dam is to be located on land owned by the Glendoe and Ardochy Estate, which lies between Fort Augustus and Whitebridge in Scotland, UK. The 9145ha estate is owned by Hillhouse Estates of Gloucester and the dam will discharge water into Loch Ness.
SSE is Britain's largest generator of electricity from renewable power sources, with 50% of the country's renewable generation capacity. The company has planned a US$641.9M investment in renewable energy. A further US$356.6M will be spent refurbishing existing hydro dams and power stations and US$285.3M will be spent on renewable energy schemes, including the one proposed on Glendoe Estate.
SSE already has a 132kV transmission line in this area, linking a number of hydro schemes in the Great Glen and the transmission line taking power west through Skye to the Western Isles. The only new infrastructure envisaged at this stage is a new substation and power transformers.
