FAQ's

Q: What will Glendoe’s productive lifespan be, and what will happen to the site if and when it ceases to produce power?

A: The design life of the main components of the scheme are 75 years for the civil works, and 40 years for the plant (until the first major refurbishment). SSE experience, however, suggests that with continual routine maintenance the design life of the scheme should be significantly extended. The earliest of the existing hydro stock is now in excess of 75 years old, and still going strong.

Q: How many people will actually be involved in the day-to-day running of Glendoe once its construction is fully complete?

A: The power station will be completely unmanned and remotely operated from the Generation Control Centre in Perth. The station will, however, be visited regularly by engineers to carry out essential checks.

Q: How much power is one megawatt (MW) in real terms?

A: 1 MW = 1,000,000W, which is enough power to light 25,000 light bulbs (40 W) or heat 1000 single bar electric fires.

Q: What will happen to all the rock that is being excavated to clear the tunnels?

A: The majority of rock excavated from the tunnels will be reused in
the construction of roads, and the dam. In addition, surplus material will be stored locally for the future maintenance of the roads during the life of the scheme.

Q: Do SSE have any plans for further, new hydro schemes in Scotland in the foreseeable future?

A: SSE continue to review the development potential of hydro power in
Scotland.