Major upgrades to the energy infrastructure at Loch Turret Water Treatment Works are under way, supporting the continued supply of clean drinking water to around 70,000 people in central Scotland.
The 18-month programme will see the construction of a new high-voltage substation, the replacement of existing hydroelectric turbines and investment in the turbine power hall at the site near Crieff. The works form part of a £7.2 million Scottish Water investment aimed at improving long-term resilience at the treatment works.
The project is being delivered by WGM Engineering, an RSK Group company, with support from fellow group businesses CAN Geotechnical and Tarpave.
Critical energy infrastructure for water treatment operations
Loch Turret Water Treatment Works is supplied with power from a nearby substation, making the energy network a critical operational asset. The site also incorporates one of Scottish Water’s longest-running hydroelectric schemes, originally commissioned in 1966.
Ian Anderson, Senior Project Manager at WGM Engineering, said the upgrades are essential to maintaining operational continuity.
“The substation and linked infrastructure are of critical importance to Loch Turret Water Treatment Works’ operations,” he said. “The hydroelectric plant harnesses energy from the reservoir to generate electricity that powers the treatment works. Without this infrastructure, the site would be unable to function, making its upkeep and the replacement of ageing assets vital.”
As main contractor, WGM Engineering is responsible for delivering the electrical and commissioning works, alongside managing subcontracted earthworks, civils and building packages.
A multidisciplinary team of around 20 electrical, commissioning, civil and structural engineers will install new high- and low-voltage switchgear and transformers, replace ageing control equipment within the turbine power hall, install interconnecting cabling and cable management systems, and deliver associated building services.
Renewable energy and export to the national grid
The hydroelectric turbine at Loch Turret is also classed as an export turbine, generating renewable energy beyond the site’s own operational requirements.
“The existing hydroelectric turbines are being replaced with modern equivalents, alongside new control equipment,” Anderson explained. “This will ensure future resilience while continuing to support renewable energy generation. Any surplus electricity generated that is not required on site is exported back to the national grid.”
Challenging site conditions
The project site is located on a steep embankment within an unfenced sheep farm at the head of Glen Turret, presenting logistical and environmental challenges.
At 1,178 feet above sea level, Loch Turret Water Treatment Works is the highest such facility in Scotland. Its elevation, combined with weather exposure and access constraints, has required careful planning.
“To ensure the project is delivered as efficiently and considerately as possible, the team is liaising closely with Scottish Water, the local community and Glen Turret Estate,” Anderson said. “Construction activities with greater weather sensitivity have been programmed for more favourable seasons.”
Specialist support from RSK Group companies
Additional expertise has been provided by CAN Geotechnical, which carried out inspections and risk assessments to address potential rockfall hazards in the Turret Burn Valley.
Tarpave is delivering new access roads to the substation and turbine infrastructure, as well as reinstating existing routes affected by construction works.
