Gilkes Energy has unveiled scoping plans for its 900MW Earba Pumped Storage Hydro Project in Scotland.
The scheme would store up to 33,000MWh of energy, making it “the largest such scheme in the UK”, according to the developer.
Proposals include using Loch a’ Bhealaich Leamhain as the upper reservoir and Lochan na h-Earba as the lower reservoir, with the two connected by a 3km-long tunnel.
Turbines would be located in a powerhouse on the shore of Loch Earba, generating electricity at times of demand or pumping water for storage when there is a grid surplus.
If an application is consented, construction of the project is expected to take three to four years, with a workforce of 300-400 people on site during this period.
Gilkes Energy managing director Carl Crompton said: “After a number of years work, we are delighted to launch the Earba Pumped Storage Hydro ‘PSH’ project.
“Energy storage allows energy produced during times of excess generation (mainly wind and solar) to be stored and released later when there is a deficit of renewable energy. PSH projects are in effect very big batteries and the technology behind these projects is both very mature and robust, but also extremely cost competitive.
“The Earba project is in an excellent location with the geography in the area providing some natural water storage, and allowing the project to be sensitively blended into the landscape.
“By developing and investing in PSH capacity, we are helping more renewables to be added to the UK system, displacing expensive and carbon-emitting gas generation and ultimately speeding up the transition to a clean, carbon-free economy.”
Public consultations on the plans are due to be held locally later this month.