 The station is capable of generating 440 megawatts ( 590 @,@ 000 hp ) of electricity from four turbines , two of 100 megawatts ( 130 @,@ 000 hp ) and two of 120 megawatts ( 160 @,@ 000 hp ) capacity , after two units were upgraded in 2005 . It can go from standby to full production in two minutes , or thirty seconds if compressed air is used to start the turbines spinning . When the top reservoir is full , Cruachan can operate for 22 hours before the supply of water is exhausted . At full power , the turbines can pump at 167 cubic metres ( 5 @,@ 900 cu ft ) per second and generate at 200 cubic metres ( 7 @,@ 100 cu ft ) per second . 
