Glen Earrach Energy (GEE) has submitted its application for a 2GW pumped storage hydro (PSH) project near Loch Ness, Scotland.
If approved, the project will deliver over £20m annually over its 125-year life cycle to Highland communities through a community benefit fund.
GEE was founded by Balmac Forest Limited and is working with a consortium of experts, including AECOM, AFRY, WSP, and Alpiq, to deliver one of the UK’s most efficient and largest pumped storage hydro facilities on the Balmacaan Estate, near Loch Ness.
New polling by Opinium, commissioned by GEE, reveals strong support for pumped storage hydro in the region, but shows that Highland residents want the Scottish planning system to prioritise projects that deliver the greatest impact.
Around 56% of Highlanders support PSH on Loch Ness while 16% oppose it.
GEE’s PSH will account for nearly three-quarters of the total PSH storage planned for Loch Ness (34GWh out of 46GWh) and two-thirds of its generating capacity, while utilising only half the water.
The site’s unique topography and 500 metre 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’s 2GW capacity is equivalent to the output of around 800 onshore wind turbines (2.5MW) currently operating in the Highland Council area.
It will help to stabilise the UK grid by storing excess renewables and reducing the need for curtailment payments.
From the outset, GEE has prioritised early and meaningful engagement with local communities.
The project team launched early engagement immediately after submitting its request for a Scoping Opinion, in April 2024.
GEE has since completed four separate rounds of consultation with communities around the full Loch Ness area, well before statutory pre-application requirements began.
This process, resulted in major design changes to reduce visual impact, reduce transport on the A82, protect views, and minimise above-ground infrastructure.
The Section 36 Application, under the Electricity Act 1989, includes a full Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), following detailed site studies by a team of environmental specialists.
The project is expected to support around 1000 jobs during the peak of construction, create long-term high-quality employment, and inject significant local and regional supply chain value into the Highlands economy.
The application includes a Letter of Intent which sets GEE’s commitment to ensuring the delivery of a multi-million-pound Community Benefit Fund.
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.”
“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.”