Cruachan Power Station
The Cruachan Power Station (also known as the Cruachan Dam) is a pumped-storage hydroelectric power station in Argyll and Bute, Scotland. The turbine hall is located inside Ben Cruachan. Water is pumped between Cruachan Reservoir to Loch Awe, a height difference of 396 metres (1,299 ft). It is one of only four pumped storage power stations in the UK. It is capable of providing a black start capability to the National Grid.[1]
Construction began in 1959 at the same time as the Hunterston A nuclear power station in Ayrshire. It was completed in 1965. Cruachan uses cheap off-peak electricity generated at night to pump water to the higher reservoir.[2] It can then be released during the day to provide power as necessary.[2] The power station is open to visitors. Around 50,000 tourists visit it each year.
References
- ↑ "Ben Cruachan's hidden giant". The Institute of Historic Building Conservation. Archived from the original on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 30 October 2015.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Cruachan hydro power station output 'could double'". BBC News. 11 February 2014. Retrieved 30 October 2015.