Statkraft funds skills report to deliver Loch Ness hydropower project

European renewable energy generator Statkraft is funding a study by the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) to gain insight into the workforce skills requirements for a pumped storage hydro project in the Highlands.

The 450MW scheme, called Loch na Cathrach, was granted consent by Scottish Government ministers in June 2021 and will be used to provide security for Great Britain’s electricity network.

Iain Robertson, head of Statkraft Scotland, said: “This report will provide an essential picture of the skills required to build Statkraft’s most significant project in Scotland. I’m delighted we’re able to build on our existing relationship with UHI to help them deliver this important piece of work, which will benefit students, businesses and communities alike."

The UHI study will focus on the numbers and types of roles required to construct the project. The findings can help inform senior pupils and UHI students on their career pathways and also provide those already in employment with a picture of where the upskilling and reskilling opportunities exist.

Furthermore, the study will allow existing local businesses to gain visibility of the construction pipeline and inform education delivery across the region.

Have you read?
Hydropower investment potential ‘far from tapped out’ says NREL
Power flows from hydro to beer in Nigerian energy trading project

According to Statkraft, by evaluating the current scale and composition of the local student population, UHI can begin to map education provision across the board, relevant to the project’s timings and the required skills and qualifications needed to fill core roles.

Through identifying any gaps between the skills offered by the current workforce, and those required to deliver the Loch na Cathrach project, the report will provide early recommendations for addressing identified gaps through education, training, and strategic partnerships.

Alison Wilson, director of Economic Development and Advancement, from UHI, said: “This funding will help us plan for future education provision, to ensure it continues to be closely aligned with the needs of key sectors and our industry partners across the region."

Work on the study will begin in spring, with a final report published by UHI in the summer.