Ambitious £3bn Pumped Hydro Project at Loch Ness Moves Forward

Image Credit: GEE

A £3 billion pumped storage hydro (PSH) project near Scotland's iconic Loch Ness is one step closer to becoming a reality. Glen Earrach Energy (GEE) confirmed on April 25th that it has officially submitted the planning application for its ambitious 2gw scheme.

If greenlit, this project would represent nearly three-quarters of the total PSH capacity planned for Loch Ness, contributing 34 GWh of the region's 46 GWh storage goal. But it’s not just the storage that stands out. This development would also account for two-thirds of the generating capacity, all while using just half of the water previously considered. To put it into perspective, the project’s capacity would be on par with the combined output of around 800 onshore wind turbines scattered throughout the Highland Council area.

“The site’s unique topography and 500-meter gross hydraulic head allow for a more efficient design that generates more power and stores more energy than all other Loch Ness projects combined,” GEE stated.

The environmental impact of this project is equally ambitious. With a projected 10% reduction in the grid’s carbon footprint, this initiative promises significant strides in the fight against climate change.

Glen Earrach Energy director Roderick Macleod said: “This project is poised to become one of the UK’s largest and most advanced energy storage initiatives, delivering the most substantial community benefit fund ever in Scotland.

“The Highlands deserves the best project, and we remain on track to deliver it, with the first power being produced in 2030.”

But it’s not just about clean energy—the engagement with local communities has sparked changes to the project’s design, ensuring the minimisation of visual impact, reduced transport on the A82, and the protection of critical views while limiting the footprint of above-ground infrastructure.

“We’ve listened carefully to local views and will keep doing so. Now we look forward to working with the Scottish Government, The Highland Council, and all key stakeholders to deliver this vital project,” added Macleod.

Glen Earrach is collaborating with a team of advisors and experts, including Aecom, Alpiq, Frontier Economics, and LCP-Delta Cap, to bring this project to life. This powerhouse of expertise aims to ensure that the development of this PSH project advances with innovation, sustainability, and efficiency at its core.

Aecom’s chief executive for Europe and India, Richard Whitehead, said: “As the UK transitions to cleaner energy, pumped storage hydro will play an increasingly important role in its future energy mix, providing reliable and efficient storage solutions to balance the grid.

“The scale of Glen Earrach has the potential to meaningfully contribute to Scotland’s net-zero ambitions, and those of the UK as a whole, while also delivering benefits to both the environment and local communities.

“Planning submission is a significant step forward, and Aecom is proud of its role in achieving this milestone and its continued support in the delivery of this scheme.”

Meanwhile, the UK government has backed a cap-and-floor mechanism to support long-duration energy storage (LDES) projects, which industry leaders have welcomed. Drax’s assets director, Ian Kinnaird, hailed the proposal as “a pivotal move towards turning the vision of new pumped storage hydro plants into reality.”

However, the proposal hasn't been universally embraced. While many view the bespoke LDES support mechanism as crucial for developing such projects, concerns exist within the industry. Energy UK, a key trade body, expressed its worries during a recent government consultation, highlighting the potential risks of distorting the market, especially for shorter-duration storage projects that might not receive the same level of support.

As discussions continue, the future of this £3 billion project—and others like it—remains full of promise, innovation, and the potential to reshape Scotland’s energy landscape.