A 6.5km pipe transfers water from a large dam to the powerhouse. This vertical drop, known as the 'Gross Head' of the project is 150m. The pipeline is made of Glass Fibre Reinforced Plastic (GRP). Twin Francis turbines are used, operating at a combined design flow of 4,000 l/s. These turbines are reaction type turbines which are optimised for low-head, high-flow applications and provides high efficiency at peak power.
Construction mobilization started in early 2016. As well as being an investment partner in the project, Gilkes Energy was also the lead engineer, providing design, project management and construction supervision services during the construction phase, as well as managing the operation and maintenance of the facility thereafter. The lead civil contractor was TSL Contracting, an experienced civil contractor based on the Isle of Mull.
The project started generating in September 2017 and was delivered on time and on budget. An additional weir was built and commissioned in 2023 in order to better control upstream flows and to add to the energy stored by the project.
- Commissioning date: September 2017
- Location: Loch Laggan
- Turbine: Francis
- Intake type: Dam and side
- Gross head: 150m
- Catchment area: 64km²
- Maximum turbine flow: 4,000 l/s
- Maximum output: 2MW+3MW
- Pipeline length: 6.5km
