Project Overview
Dulas’ hydro team have vast experience in both the engineering of innovative hydro solutions and the optimisation of pre-existing projects throughout the UK. Having previously been extremely satisfied with Dulas’ successful refurbishment of a hydro scheme, a private landowner turned to our team once more in order to construct and install an 800kW run-of-river hydro project at Crianlarich in Stirling, Scotland.
Situated within Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, Dulas had to account for a range of planning and logistical issues resulting from the remote and exposed intake location.
However, drawing on its extensive expertise in bespoke hydro, Dulas successfully delivered the scheme on time, allowing it to be commissioned ahead of the relevant Feed-in Tari deadline. The scheme is now up and running and has been of great economic benefit to the client.
Implementation
The project was particularly complex requiring a private HV wire and work to accommodate a second turbine in the future, which would boost the scheme’s capacity to 1.2MW.
Dulas steered the landowner through successful planning and CAR licence applications, as well as the discharge of planning conditions. The team worked to this tight deadline to deliver a detailed design for construction, while acting as Client’s Engineer, filling several project management roles and managing numerous contractors involved in the project. As a result, the team delivered effective and comprehensive decision-making and issue resolution over the course of the work. Dulas’ experience was also crucial in conducting delicate negotiations and issue resolution in consultation with Scottish Natural Heritage and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency.
In addition to commissioning the scheme, Dulas delivered a range of design and technical services including low voltage electrical design, control panel design and electrical installation.
Outcomes & Benefits
Despite these challenges, and delays on the part of one of the contractors, the scheme was successfully delivered and commissioned on time, allowing it to meet the Feed-in Tariff deadline. It was completed to a recognisably high standard, and Dulas received enthusiastic feedback from a range of stakeholders including the client and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency.
Having chosen Dulas on the basis of an established and successful working relationship, at Crianlarich the client received a turnkey service built on years of hydro engineering experience. This ensured that the project moved smoothly through each stage of development, from design to construction and installation and finally on to commissioning.
