2 GW Loch Ness pumped storage hydro project proposed for Scotland

Glen Earrach Energy Limited (GEE) announced plans to develop a 2 GW pumped storage hydro (PSH) project at Balmacaan Estate, Scotland.

PSH is the cheapest form of long-duration electricity storage, according to a release. GEE’s facility will be capable of delivering up to 30 GWh of electricity and will provide clean, reliable power to millions of homes, accelerating progress towards net zero emissions and reducing energy costs.

The project will represent an investment of more than £2 billion (US$2.5 billion) and create at least 600 on-site construction jobs in Scotland over a six-year period, plus many thousands locally in the supply chain. And GEE’s project will reduce the carbon footprint of the energy grid by 10% and save £2 billion in electricity grid running costs, according to a release.

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GEE is working with a consortium of advisors and experts – including AECOM, Alpiq, Frontier Economics and LCP-Delta – to take the project forward, recently submitting a scoping request to the Scottish Government’s Energy Consents Unit. GEE has begun engaging with local communities, businesses and government as it seeks views on how best to integrate the project into the environment and community.

GEE’s project will leverage Loch Ness' unique geography, with a height difference exceeding 480 m between the upper and lower reservoirs.

“Scotland is a leader in wind power, but the wind doesn’t always blow when we need the energy most. That’s when pumped storage hydro comes in,” said GEE Director Roderick MacLeod. “We deeply care about the Balmacaan Estate and are committed to engaging with the local community, businesses, and government. We’re actively seeking their views on how to maximise the project’s positive impact on the area.

“Globally, pumped storage has relied on government support. The UK government's proposed income floor is a step in the right direction, which Glen Earrach Energy supports. We believe the government should prioritize projects proven to be the most efficient, cost effective and sustainable, rather than those with planning. That way they should be self-financing and in theory never have to draw on government support.”

Other companies are interested in the site as well, with ILI Group announcing in June 2021 that the Scottish Government has approved proposals for the 450 MW Red John pumped storage hydro scheme on the shores of Loch Ness.

Originally published on hydroreview.com