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Rock fall halts new hydro scheme Rock fall halts new hydro scheme
(about 2 hours later)
Scotland's biggest hydro electric scheme to be built in more than 50 years has ground to a halt after a rock fall in a tunnel near Loch Ness.Scotland's biggest hydro electric scheme to be built in more than 50 years has ground to a halt after a rock fall in a tunnel near Loch Ness.
The tunnel carries water from a hilltop reservoir to a massive turbine on the £140m Glendoe project.The tunnel carries water from a hilltop reservoir to a massive turbine on the £140m Glendoe project.
It was officially opened by the Queen earlier this summer.It was officially opened by the Queen earlier this summer.
The tunnel will be pumped dry before workers are sent in to investigate the damage and try to ascertain how quickly it can be repaired. The tunnel has been pumped dry to allow workers to investigate the damage and try to ascertain how quickly it can be repaired.
A spokesman for operator Scottish and Southern Energy confirmed the scheme has been switched off.A spokesman for operator Scottish and Southern Energy confirmed the scheme has been switched off.
Work on the plant began in 2006 when the then prime minister, Tony Blair, triggered a tunnel blast. Extreme care will be taken with the investigation Ian MarchantSSE chief executive
It said until a detailed investigation was completed it was not possible to predict when electricity would be generated again.
Chief executive Ian Marchant said: "It is hugely disappointing that this problem should have arisen at Glendoe, when it appeared that the development of the scheme had been completely successful.
"Extreme care will be taken with the investigation and repairs to make sure the scheme emerges from this difficulty in a strong position to operate successfully over the long-term."
Work on the plant began in 2006 when the then Prime Minister, Tony Blair, triggered a tunnel blast.
It is the first large-scale hydro-electric project to be built since 1957.It is the first large-scale hydro-electric project to be built since 1957.
When it generates to its maximum level for 24 hours it can produce 100 megawatts - enough electricity to power about 250,000 homes.When it generates to its maximum level for 24 hours it can produce 100 megawatts - enough electricity to power about 250,000 homes.