Drax Partners with ANDRITZ to Boost Renewable Energy Capacity at Cruachan Pumped Storage Plant

(IN BRIEF) Renewable energy company Drax has selected international technology group ANDRITZ as the main contractor for the upgrade of its Cruachan pumped storage power plant in Scotland. The project entails the installation of two new generating units, including pump turbines and motor generators, alongside essential main inlet valves. Located on the shores of Loch Awe, Cruachan Power Station plays a crucial role in the UK’s energy security, providing reliable energy for nearly 1 million households. The modernization initiative aims to increase the plant’s power output by 40 MW to a total of 480 MW, enhancing operability, reliability, and extending its lifecycle. By harnessing state-of-the-art pumped storage technology, the project contributes to the UK’s transition towards a more sustainable and resilient green energy infrastructure.

(PRESS RELEASE) GRAZ, 30-Apr-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — Renewable energy company Drax has chosen international technology group ANDRITZ as the main contractor for the upgrade of its Cruachan pumped storage power plant in Scotland.

ANDRITZ will supply two new generating units comprising pump turbines and motor generators, alongside essential main inlet valves.

Cruachan Power Station, located on the shores of Loch Awe in Argyll, is one of just four pumped storage hydro facilities in the UK, playing a critical role in the country’s energy security. It is already a reliable energy source for almost 1 million households.

“Pumped storage hydro is vital to the UK’s energy security, it’s a technology which works in partnership with other renewables. When wind turbines are generating more power than we need, Cruachan steps in to store the renewable electricity so it doesn’t go to waste,” said Penny Small, Drax’s Interim Chief Operating Officer. “

The primary objective of this modernization project is to increase the station’s power output by 40 MWs to a total of 480 MWs. Incorporating the latest technological innovations, it will also improve the plant’s operability and reliability and extend its lifecycle.

Pumped storage power plants are balancing the energy supply and demand by storing excess power from volatile renewables. By using state-of-the-art pumped storage technology to unlock the potential of renewable energy, the Cruachan modernization project represents a major step towards creating a more sustainable and resilient green energy infrastructure in the UK.

“We are proud to have been entrusted with the refurbishment of the Cruachan Pump Storage Power Plant,” said Dominik Fust, Managing Director at ANDRITZ Hydropower Germany. “This project aligns with our mission to contribute to the global transition toward sustainable energy generation.”

ANDRITZ GROUP
International technology group ANDRITZ offers a broad portfolio of innovative plants, equipment, systems, services and digital solutions for a wide range of industries and end markets. Sustainability is an integral part of the company’s business strategy and corporate culture. With its extensive portfolio of sustainable products and solutions, ANDRITZ aims to make the greatest possible contribution to a sustainable future and help its customers achieve their sustainability goals. ANDRITZ is a global market leader in all four of its business areas – Pulp & Paper, Metals, Hydropower and Environment & Energy. Technological leadership and global presence are cornerstones of the group’s strategy, which is focused on long-term profitable growth. The publicly listed group has around 30,000 employees and over 280 locations in more than 80 countries.

ANDRITZ HYDROPOWER
ANDRITZ Hydropower is one of the world’s leading suppliers of electromechanical equipment and services for hydropower stations in the dynamically growing global renewable energy market. Based on 185 years of experience and a global installed capacity of 489 gigawatts, we offer innovative solutions for new and existing hydropower stations, from small to large-scale hydropower plants. State-of-the-art digital solutions, comprehensive services for the operation and maintenance of entire hydropower plants, and turbo generators for the thermal industry complete the portfolio.

Media Contact:

Susan Trast
HEAD OF CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING
susan.trast@andritz.com

SOURCE: ANDRITZ