Andritz upgrades Scottish power station

Alcan Aluminium UK, a subsidiary of Rio Tinto Alcan, has awarded a €30m contract to Andritz Tech Hydro for the refurbishment of a power station in Scotland.

Under the contract, Andritz will supply, install and commission five new turbine generator units for Lochaber power station, which has an installed capacity of 72MW.

Five horizontal Francis turbines driving AC generators will replace the existing twelve horizontal twin jet Pelton turbines that drive two DC generators. According to Andritz the developments will ensure the increased use of renewable energy for aluminium production at the plant.

The order forms part of Rio Tinto Alcan’s £45m investment in the overall upgrade of the Lochaber plant, which is scheduled to begin in 2009 and to be completed by 2012.