Revamp for power station

A HYDRO power station near Dalry is getting a £12.4 million refurbishment as part of a major investment by renewable energy firm Drax.

Glenlee Power Station forms part of the Galloway Hydro Scheme in Southern Scotland which has been generating renewable power for almost 90 years.

With over 30 million tonnes of water stored annually, Glenlee is one the scheme’s most flexible and valuable assets.

Drax has appointed UK-based Quarzelec as the main contractor for the upgrade project.

Ian Kinnaird, Drax’s FlexGen assets director, said: “Glenlee has been generating renewable electricity for almost a century, and this major refurbishment will help it continue to do so for many years to come.

“While Galloway’s power stations may have been constructed decades ago, the home-grown renewable electricity they generate has never been more important. This multi-million-pound investment by Drax will ensure it is generating renewable power for many years to come.”

The major upgrade to the two units will improve their operability and reliability, lengthening their lifespan. Andrew Dawson, from Quartzelec’s, added: “We are very proud to be given the opportunity to continue our long-term relationship with Drax on a project as significant as this. Our technical expertise is deeply rooted in the hydro and wider power generation market, and we are delighted that we can continue to develop the UK’s renewable power schemes.”