Jones Bros to complete Scottish hydropower visitor attraction9th Oct 2014

Residents and visitors in one of Scotland’s national scenic areas will be able to witness the workings of a hydropower scheme at close quarters thanks to a project being undertaken by leading civil engineering firm Jones Bros.

Architectural featues being incorporated into the Allt Mor Hydro scheme, within the Loch Rannoch and Glen Lyon National Scenic Area in Perthshire, include a glass curtain wall on one side of the powerhouse, enabling the public to view the hydro turbine and generator.

An interactive display will identify each component of the hydro scheme, allowing visitors to view the current operation and energy production and carbon savings of the scheme.

The project is a run-of-river scheme which uses water flow when available and is the second hydropower scheme to be undertaken by Jones Bros in Scotland, the first being at Allt Gruiniche in Argyll and Bute.

Engineers will install 1200 metres of specialist HDPE (high density polyethylene) and ductile iron pipes to take flowing water from a river via a newly constructed intake structure and transfer it to a powerhouse that will also be constructed by Jones Bros

The project is designed by Mor Hydro Ltd and is being carried out on behalf of client Allt Mor Hydro LLP and the electricity generated will be fed into the National Grid, as well as providing charging for electric vehicles.

Mike O’Connor, regional manager for Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK in Scotland, said: “We are extremely excited about this project and are looking forward to welcoming local residents and visitors interested in renewable energy and the workings of a hydropower project.

“This is a very ambitious project which will also enable us to develop a relationship with the local community.”

Adrian Loening of Mor Hydro Ltd, said: “This is one of many hydro schemes we are working on in Scotland but is one of the most interesting. We know that it will provide a long term contribution to Scotland’s renewable energy targets and provide an informative and educational facility which highlights the potential for clean energy production.”

Jones Bros has two offices in Scotland, in Linlithgow and Inverness and firmly established its reputation with renewable energy projects by completing the Crystal Rig wind farm in the Scottish borders. Engineers overcame severe weather and a remote environment to create one of the UK’s largest wind farms.

Founded in the 1950s and employing almost 300 people, Jones Bros works on contracts in various sectors including the construction of waste management facilities, highways, flood and marine defence and renewable energy projects around the UK.