Grudie Hydro is a 2 MW power scheme set on the River Grudie near Loch Maree. Farrans Construction was contracted to deliver the civils, building and associated MECA works to facilitate the client turbines and grid connections.
Client
Innogy Renewables UK Limited
The Powerhouse is located just above the Loch where the turbines are housed. From here the project extends 1.8km up the valley and adjacent to the riverbed towards the intake structure. A buried pipeline transfers the water to the turbines which are situated in the Powerhouse. Water is then discharged back into the River Grudie before entering Loch Maree.
The project had three distinct sections for Farrans to deliver:
1) The powerhouse and outfall tailrace,
2) The intake structure, pipeline and instrument cable and;
3) The access road finishes, cladding and reinstatements.
The powerhouse consisted of a reinforced concrete structure built into the side of a local rocky outcrop which was specifically chosen at the design stage so that it blended into the landscape upon completion. The front of the building was clad with the as-dug material which gave it a natural appearance and reused material. The pipeline installed was specified as 1200mm GRP for the 1750m length and was installed in open cut method while serviced from the intake access road. The intake structure foundation at the top of the project once completed was not visible but the works took considerable skill and planning to form this joint under the harsh conditions at the height AOD.
The environmental approach was vital as the works where in the national park and therefore consideration was made with innovative solutions to ensure that upon completion there would be very little impact left on the region, with specific attention to detail such as the replacement of the boulders in a scattered form while working closely with out landscape consultants and Scottish Natural Heritage. There was significant planning and undertaking to manage water, sediment and peat on the site.