Joint venture between SSE and Gilkes Energy to work on proposed hydro scheme in the Highlands - which would be among largest in UK
SSE will progress plans for a new pumped storage hydropower scheme in the Highlands, which would be one of the largest of its type in the UK, in a 50:50 development joint venture with a consortium led by UK hydro developer Gilkes Energy.
The nationally-significant Fearna Pumped Storage Hydro Project would be based about 25km west of Invergarry.
The proposed development adjoins SSE Renewables' existing Loch Quoich reservoir in the Great Glen hydro scheme. It envisages the development of tunnels and a new power station connecting the existing reservoir with an upper reservoir at Loch Fearna.
• Proposed hydro scheme in the Highlands would be among largest in UK
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Under the terms of the joint venture, Gilkes Energy will lead the project’s development under a development services agreement with SSE Renewables.
It is envisaged the proposed development would be up to 1.8GW in generating capacity and capable of producing around 37GWh of stored energy capacity. The project has already secured a grid connection offer totalling 1795MW.
A request for a scoping opinion for the project is currently before Scottish Government ministers and consultation has already started with local communities and organisations. It is expected a planning consent application would be submitted to Scottish Government ministers in due course. The project could reach commercial operations in the mid-2030s, subject to reaching a final investment decision.
Ross Turbet, head of investment management for hydro at SSE Renewables, said: “As the UK transitions to net zero, the development of additional pumped storage hydro projects will be crucial for energy security and for balancing an increasingly renewables-led energy system during periods when the wind doesn’t blow, and the sun doesn’t shine.
“The proposed Fearna project is a welcome addition to our development pipeline of pumped storage hydro projects, which also includes our proposal to develop what could be one of Britain’s biggest pumped storage schemes in 40 years at Coire Glas and our intention to convert our existing Sloy Power Station into a pumped storage facility. Our vision for the delivery of pumped energy storage solutions for a net zero Britain demonstrates SSE Renewables’ ongoing commitment to optimising the value of our existing hydro assets while investing in new hydro projects as part of our wider renewable portfolio.”
Carl Crompton, managing director at Gilkes Energy, said: “Energy storage allows energy produced during times of excess generation - mainly wind - to be stored and released later when there is a deficit of renewable energy. Pumped storage hydro projects are in effect very large water batteries and the technology behind these projects is very mature and robust.”