Glen Earrach Energy (GEE) has unveiled plans for a significant pumped storage hydro project on the Balmacaan estate in Scotland, The Insider has reported.
With a 2GW power generation capacity and 30 gigawatt hours of storage, the facility can power one million homes.
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The project entails an investment of £2bn and will create 600 construction jobs over six years and thousands more within the local supply chain.
GEE has initiated consultations with neighbourhood communities, businesses and government officials to gather input on the project’s integration.
The company, alongside a consortium of advisors including AECOM, Alpiq, Frontier Economics and LCP-Delta, has submitted a scoping request to the Scottish government’s energy consents unit.
The proposed facility aims to utilise the unique topography of Loch Ness, with a height difference of more than 480m between the upper and lower reservoirs, to optimise power generation and reduce the impact on water levels.
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By GlobalDataThe project is the largest of its kind, proposed or existing, on Loch Ness and benefits from proximity to the central grid and existing wind farms, enhancing efficiency.
The Insider quoted GEE director Roderick MacLeod: “Scotland is a leader in wind power, but the wind doesn’t always blow when we need the energy most – that’s when pumped storage hydro comes in.
“International experts have identified Glen Earrach Energy’s pumped storage hydro project as the most efficient in the UK, possibly even (in) Europe.
“We deeply care about the Balmacaan Eetate and are committed to engaging with the local community, businesses and government, so we’re actively seeking their views on how to maximise the project’s positive impact on the area.”
GEE has scheduled its inaugural community engagement event for 24 May 2024 at Glenurquhart public hall in Drumnadrochit, inviting stakeholders to discuss the project.
