SSE Renewables’ up to 1500MW Coire Glas pumped hydro storage scheme has been granted consent by the Scottish government.
Coire Glas, located near Loch Lochy in Lochaber in the Scottish Highlands, would be the UK’s first new pumped storage scheme in over 30 years, if it is commercially approved.
SSE said the project’s future commercial development is now subject to identifying the right market investment framework.
Coire Glas was initially approved for a 600MW scheme in December 2013, before revised plans were subsequently submitted in April 2018 to the Scottish government for the up to 1.5GW scheme.
The changes were designed to maximise the potential of the site and help the UK in its transition to a net zero energy system by 2050, SSE said.
The scheme would be capable of a power output of up to 1.5GW for 24 hours non-stop and a pumped storage capacity of up to 30 gigawatt-hours.
SSE Renewables director of capital projects Paul Cooley said: “We’re very pleased with the decision by the Scottish government to consent the revised Coire Glas project, recognising the long established and proven benefits pumped storage can bring to the UK’s energy system on the journey to net zero.
“There are still commercial hurdles to overcome for new pumped storage as to where it fits within the current market framework, and we are actively exploring potential solutions.
“In the meantime, Coire Glas remains an important development option for SSE Renewables and receiving consent is a significant step forward for the project.”