Glen Earrach Energy has announced plans to develop what it says will be the UK’s most efficient pumped storage hydro project at Balmacaan Estate, Scotland.
The 2GW project will represent an investment of more than £2bn and create at least 600 on site construction jobs in Scotland over a six-year period, plus many thousands more locally in the supply chain.
The announcement comes as GEE begins engaging with local communities, businesses, and government, as it seeks views on how best to integrate the project into the environment and the community.
GEE is working with a consortium of advisors and experts – including AECOM, Alpiq, Frontier Economics and LCP-Delta – to take the project forwards, recently submitting a scoping request to the Scottish Government’s Energy Consents Unit.
The project leverages Loch Ness’ unique geography.
With a substantial height difference exceeding 480 metres between the upper and lower reservoirs, it will maximize power generation while minimising its impact on Loch Ness water levels.
This design ensures GEE’s project uses water more efficiently than any existing or proposed pumped storage project in the UK, the company said.
GEE director Roderick MacLeod, said: “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. It is like a giant water battery, storing excess wind power when it’s plentiful and releasing it when the wind dies down.
“International experts have identified Glen Earrach Energy’s pumped storage hydro project as the most efficient in the UK, possibly even Europe. It will be needed to help Britain get to net zero.
“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 prioritise 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.”