Last week, I had the chance to visit the Cruachan Hydro Power Station, and it’s an experience that’s going to stay with me for a long time. Set in the breathtaking Scottish Highlands, Cruachan isn’t just a power station—it’s a piece of history, an engineering marvel, and a symbol of what’s possible when we work with, rather than against, the natural world. I came away from the visit inspired, not only by the technology and the incredible scenery but also by how it connects to my future project proposal on Green Hydrogen (GH2) supply chains.
The Journey: A Scenic Prelude to the Hollow Mountain
The trip to Cruachan felt like stepping into a postcard. As the bus wound its way through the Highlands, I was surrounded by dramatic mountains, glassy lochs, and rolling green landscapes. It was hard not to keep my phone up all the time to take photos. When I finally reached the base of Ben Cruachan, where the power station is tucked away, I was struck by how understated it looked. If you didn’t know it was there, you could easily miss it—just a small visitor center nestled at the foot of the mountain. Little did I know, the real magic was hidden deep inside.
Inside the Hollow Mountain: How Cruachan Works
Cruachan Hydro Power Station is often called the “Hollow Mountain,” and for good reason. The entire operation is carved into the heart of Ben Cruachan, with massive tunnels and chambers housing its turbines and infrastructure. Built in the 1960s, it was one of the world’s first pumped-storage hydroelectric stations and remains a vital part of the UK’s energy grid today.
The concept is ingenious. During times when electricity demand is low e.i at night, the station uses surplus energy to pump water from Loch Awe (at the bottom) to an upper reservoir on the mountain. When demand spikes, the stored water is released, rushing down through huge pipes to spin turbines and generate electricity. This process can generate 440 megawatts of power in just two minutes—enough to power entire cities at peak times. It’s like a giant rechargeable battery for the national grid, balancing supply and demand in real time.
During the tour, unfortunately we could not see the turbine hall as there was a crane blocking the view, but it was well explained, as a cavernous underground space that could fit the Tower of London. The scale of the machinery was mind-blowing. Seeing the intricate network of pipes, generators, and control systems gave me a real appreciation for the brilliance of the engineers who made this possible—especially considering it was built decades ago, without the aid of modern technology.
The Museum: A Window to the Past and Future
Before exploring the station, I spent some time in the visitor center, which added another layer of depth to the experience. The museum does a fantastic job of telling the story of how Cruachan was built.
The exhibits also highlight the station’s role in the broader energy landscape. There’s a fascinating section on renewable energy and how hydro power fits alongside wind, solar, and other technologies. I found myself drawn to the interactive displays that show how electricity is stored and distributed, as it directly ties into my research on energy systems.
Connecting to My Research: Green Hydrogen and Energy Storage
What really struck me during the visit was how much Cruachan’s principles align with my own research into Green Hydrogen (GH2) supply chains. Both technologies address one of the biggest challenges in renewable energy: storage. Just as Cruachan stores excess energy in the form of water, GH2 stores energy chemically by using renewable electricity to produce hydrogen. Both are essential for managing the intermittency of renewable sources like wind and solar.
My project, “Green Hydrogen (GH2) Supply Chains: Challenges and Solutions for a Just Transition in Global Energy Systems,” focuses on the logistical and technical hurdles of incorporating GH2 into energy networks. Visiting Cruachan gave me a tangible example of how large-scale infrastructure can work effectively, not just as a technological solution but as part of a broader, sustainable system. It also reminded me of the importance of blending innovation with respect for the environment—something Cruachan achieves beautifully.
Final Thoughts: Lessons from the Highlands
My visit to Cruachan Hydro Power Station was more than just an enjoyable day out—it was a reminder of what’s possible when we think creatively and work collaboratively. From the stunning drive through the Highlands to the awe-inspiring engineering inside the mountain, the experience left me energized and hopeful about the future.
As I move forward with my Green Hydrogen project, I’ll carry the lessons of Cruachan with me: the importance of infrastructure that adapts to its environment, the value of energy storage in sustainable systems, and the inspiration we can draw from those who came before us. Cruachan is more than just a power station; it’s a symbol of what we can achieve when we dare to think big, work hard, and respect the world around us.
