The power stations involved are at Quoich, west of Invergarry, Mossford and Grudie Bridge, west of Garve, Shin, south of Lairg and Finlarig near Killin on Loch Tay in Scotland. The refurbishments involve new runners and guide vanes in the turbines.
The contracts for Mossford and Grudie Bridge have been won by Weirs/va-tech and for Shin, Quoich and Finlarig by ge-hydro.
The power stations are all rated at under 20MW and when the refurbishments are complete the output will qualify for Renewable Obligation Certificates (ROCs).
Commenting on the refurbishments, David Sigsworth, SSE's generation director, said: 'The five refurbishments, involving seven turbines, are the next stage in the progressive US$397.7M programme to refurbish our hydro assets in the Highlands of Scotland. The refurbishments will extend the lives of the power stations and contribute significantly to the Government's targets for renewable energy between now and 2010 and beyond.'
