Renewable energy developer Drax has appointed engineering firm Voith Hydro to complete a front end engineering and design study for the mechanical and electrical components of its proposed 600MW Cruachan 2 pumped storage hydro scheme.
The planned underground plant would be the UK’s first such scheme in 40 years and would be constructed adjacent to Drax’s existing 440MW Cruachan facility (pictured) near Oban in Scotland.
Exploratory ground works are currently underway at the site, with seismic surveys being undertaken to provide crucial geological data about the rock in which the new plant would be housed inside.
Voith Hydro’s work will produce a series of comprehensive reports, data and models that will provide a well-defined project scope, design, cost estimate, and schedule, enabling informed decision-making and reducing uncertainties before proceeding to the detailed engineering, procurement, and construction phases.
Drax’s proposals received development consent from the Scottish government last year, but the scheme’s continued progression requires an updated policy and market support mechanism from London.
Despite their critical role in decarbonisation, no new pumped storage hydro plants have been constructed in the UK since 1984 due to the current lack of a suitable framework. Earlier this year, the UK government launched a consultation on its plans to introduce a new framework which could unlock billions of pounds worth of private investment in the technology.
“A new generation of pumped storage hydro plants will strengthen the UK’s energy security by enabling more homegrown renewable electricity to come online to power homes and businesses across the country,” said Drax development manager Steve Marshall.
“Drax’s plan to build a new plant at Cruachan will support hundreds of jobs and provide a real boost to the Scottish economy
“With the project granted development consent from the Scottish government, we hope the next UK government will continue policy development in this area at pace to enable a new generation of pumped storage plants to come online as possible.”
Voith Hydro project manager Stefan Linhart added: “We at Voith Hydro are highly committed to the Cruachan 2 project and feel honoured to have been nominated by Drax for the Front-End Engineering Design (FEED). As a full-line supplier for hydropower technology we are looking forward to bringing our extensive experience in the field of pumped storage.
“The constructive and professional collaboration with Drax and other project partners is key to achieve our common goal: a power plant that meets the latest standards in performance and safety.”
In addition to its plans to build a new power station, Drax is currently completing an £80m upgrade to the existing plant. The project will see the generating capacity of two of the plant’s four units increased by a combined 40MW to raise the facility’s total generating capacity to 480MW.