This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
Listen
Pitlochry Dam upgrade
18/10/2006
Scottish Ministers have approved the proposal for Scottish and Southern Energy Generation Limited to carry out refurbishment works on the Pitlochry Dam, Loch Faskally, Perth & Kinross.
Following a statutory inspection under the Reservoirs Act 1975, Pitlochry Dam was reassessed in accordance with current reservoir safety design standards.
The need for protection works to primarily prevent extreme flood surcharge levels was identified.
There will be no change in the operation of the hydro scheme and no increase in the impoundment height of Loch Faskally as a result of these works.
Background
Any proposal to construct, extend or operate a power station driven wholly or mainly by water with a generation capacity in excess of 1MW requires the consent of Scottish Ministers in terms of section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989.
Loch Faskally is located within the Tummel Hydro Scheme and is owned and operated by Scottish and Southern Energy Generation Limited. Pitlochry dam is located at the southern end of Loch Faskally and the water stored in the reservoir is utilised for electricity generation at Pitlochry Hydro Power Station.
Work will potentially be done by-passing the existing buried cut-off walls on either side of the concrete dam.
Following the section 36 application, a consultation was undertaken with Scottish Natural Heritage, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, the Fisheries Committee and Perth & Kinross Council to determine the impact of the proposed works. There were no objections raised to the proposal.
Due to the minor nature of the works, there was no need for Notice publication under Regulation 4(3) of the Electricity (Applications for Consent) Regulations 1990.
The Executive announced plans to produce 40 per cent of Scotland's electricity from renewable sources by 2020 in March 2003. Further details can be found at:
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/pages/news/2003/03/SEEN408.aspx