Highland councillors recommended not to object to Loch Kemp hydro scheme near Loch Ness by planning officers
Controversial plans for a green energy project at Loch Ness will go before Highland councillors next week for determination.
Planning officers are recommending the council’s south planning applications committee raise no objections to the proposed Loch Kemp pumped storage hydro scheme when it meets on Wednesday.
The application, lodged by developer Statera Energy in December 2023, will be decided ultimately by the Scottish Government’s Energy Consents Unit.
• Planning application submitted for Loch Kemp hydro scheme near Loch Ness
• Changes made to plans for Loch Kemp hydro scheme
• Salmon fishery board calls for more transparency on impact of pump hydro schemes
The proposed development would use the existing Loch Kemp near Whitebridge as the upper storage reservoir which would be raised by about 28 metres and would connect by underground waterway systems and tunnels to a powerhouse and tailrace structure on the shores of Loch Ness.
It would have an installed capacity of up to 600MW and a generation energy storage capacity of up to almost 9 Gigawatt Hours.
During construction, an average of 356 workers are expected to be on site while once it is fully operational, the proposed development will create 25 new full-time jobs.
But the application - made under Section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989 - has attracted objections from a range of organisations including Stratherrick and Foyers Community Council along with the neighbouring Fort Augustus and Glenmoriston Community Councils.
Fisheries Management Scotland, Ness District Salmon Fishery Board and Mountaineering Scotland have also submitted objections.
They include the impact on the landscape, recreational routes, roads and road safety, ecology and tourism.
Objectors also cite the varying water levels and cumulative impacts alongside existing and proposed hydro plus the impact on migratory fish.
A lack of detail regarding the proposed worker compound and its impact on local infrastructure and services are also cited.
Of the 52 representations submitted to Highland Council, 42 were objections and seven were support comments while 109 representations to the Energy Consents Unit comprised 103 objections and six comments in support citing the contribution towards renewable energy targets, energy security and community/socio-economic benefits.
In a 152-page report to be discussed by councillors, planning officers recommend the council raises no objections against the application, subject to various conditions.
The report states the benefits of the proposal must be weighed against potential drawbacks and then considered in the round.
It acknowledges, for example, that during construction there would be an increase in water-based traffic including the transport of equipment by boat along Loch Ness, as well as views of cranes and other construction equipment on the loch shore and hillslope.
“Once operational, design and other mitigation measures will break up and soften the frontage of the powerhouse to some extent,” the report states.
“However, the introduction of this extensive powerhouse structure on a stretch of Loch Ness that is relatively free of development on the shoreline will give rise to a noticeable change and lead to a significant detrimental visual impact extending to approximately 4km.
“On balance, the extent and severity of visual impact effects remain within acceptable limits.”
The report concludes the Scottish Government gives considerable commitment to renewable energy and supports the development of pumped hydro storage development where it can operate successfully and are sited appropriately.
It states: “The project has potential to contribute to addressing the climate emergency through significant additional renewable energy generation.
“In this regard it is anticipated to contribute an additional 600MW of installed capacity and make a meaningful contribution toward addressing climate change on the road to net zero.
“In addition, the development has potential to bring economic benefits to the area, creating job opportunities and other socio-economic benefits, particularly during the considerable construction phase, reflective of the scale of this national development.”
Find out more about planning applications that affect you at the Public Notice Portal.
