| Lochaber hydroelectric scheme | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Country |
|
| Location | Fort William, Scotland, UK |
| Coordinates | 56°49′47″N 5°04′13″W / 56.8296°N 5.0702°W |
| Status | Operational |
| Construction began | 1924 |
| Commission date | 1929 (refurbished 2008-2012) |
| Power generation | |
| Units operational | 5 × 17.3 MW |
| Make and model | Andritz Hydro Francis turbines |
| Nameplate capacity |
|
| External links | |
| Commons | Related media on Commons |
The Lochaber hydroelectric scheme is a hydroelectric power generation project constructed in the Lochaber area of the western Scottish Highlands after the First World War. Like its predecessors at Kinlochleven and Foyers, it was designed to provide electricity for aluminium production, this time at Fort William.
Water is collected from the River Spean catchment, plus the headwaters of the River Spey and some smaller watercourses. It contains two main reservoirs Loch Treig and Laggan Reservoir, and 18 miles (29 km) of tunnels excavated through the hillside.
The scheme was originally built between 1924 and 1943 by the British Aluminium Company. This company was bought by Canadian-based Alcan in 1982 which was subsequently bought by Rio Tinto in 2008. Rio Tinto Alcan then sold the scheme to GFG Alliance in November 2016.[1]
The hydroelectric scheme and aluminium smelter are still in operation.
- ^ "Rio Tinto smelter to be sold in deal worth £330m". BBC News. 23 November 2016. Retrieved 12 April 2024.