π Project Overview
Glendoe is Scotland's newest large-scale conventional hydroelectric scheme, completed in 2009. A single 100 MW Pelton wheel turbine uses a 600 m head of water from Loch Tarff, with an 8 km tunnel running through the mountain to Loch Ness. A Pelton wheel is used (rather than a Francis turbine) due to the very high head β jets of water strike curved cups on the wheel. The project suffered a major tunnel collapse in 2009 but was restored and returned to operation.
Site Schematic
Schematic diagram β not to scale. Illustrative layout based on project specifications.
β‘ Key Facts
π§ Technical Specifications
| Capacity (MW) | 100 MW |
| No. of turbines/units | 1 |
| Turbine / unit model | Pelton wheel, single 100 MW unit |
| Unit capacity | 100 MW each |
| Head (hydro) | 600 m |
| Upper reservoir | Loch Tarff (14 million mΒ³, at 590m elevation) |
| Lower reservoir | Loch Ness (at 16m elevation) |
| Tunnel / penstock | 8 km pressure tunnel through the mountain |
| Annual output | 180 GWh/year |
π Grid Connection & Infrastructure
π’ Development & Ownership
| Developer | SSE Renewables |
| Owner / operator | SSE Renewables |
| Year consented | 2005 |
| Construction started | 2006 |
| Commissioned / target | 2009 |
| Capex estimate | ~Β£150 million |
| Location | Above Fort Augustus, Inverness-shire β discharges into Loch Ness |
| Region | Scotland |
| Coordinates | 57.14Β°N, 4.47Β°W |
π Project Timeline
πΏ Environmental & Planning
Located above Loch Ness β part of the Great Glen. Loch Tarff and connecting streams support brown trout. A compensation flow is maintained in the diverted watercourse. The intake on Loch Tarff is screened to prevent fish entrainment.