Scottish and Southern Energy’s Glendoe hydroelectric plant in Scotland has been closed for an investigation after falling rocks caused a partial blockage in the tunnel that carries water to the power station.
The turbine in the power station was not damaged in the rockfall, according to a statement from the company. The 100-MW plant, located on Loch Ness, began producing power earlier this year and is Scotland’s biggest producer of hydropower.
The plant was officially opened by Queen Elizabeth in June. (HydroWorld 6/30/09)
“It is hugely disappointing that this problem should have arisen at Glendoe, when it appeared that the development of the scheme had been completely successful,” said Ian Marchant, SSE’s chief executive officer.
SSE said it will conduct an investigation and begin working on repairs. The company, however, would not say when the plant would resume production.
“It could be some time before it’s up and running again,” a company spokesman said.
The rock-fall occurred near the top of the tunnel that carries water from the reservoir to the power station. The tunnel has been drained to allow investigator to assess the damage.
