Pumped Storage Hydro

SSE and Gilkes Energy partnering to progress Loch Fearna pumped storage hydro project

SSE and Gilkes Energy partnering to progress Loch Fearna pumped storage hydro project
(photo courtesy SSE)

SSE has announced plans to progress a new pumped storage hydropower scheme at Loch Fearna in Scotland’s Great Glen, in a 50:50 development joint venture with a consortium led by Gilkes Energy.

The proposed co-development is located at the western end of Glengarry and adjoins SSE Renewables’ Loch Quoich reservoir in the Great Glen hydro scheme.

SSE Renewables operates the largest fleet of hydroelectric power and pumped storage hydro assets in Scotland. It is progressing development plans for new pumped storage hydropower projects in the Highlands to complement its fleet and deliver the large-scale, long-duration electricity storage needed as part of Britain’s future energy mix, according to a release.

The Fearna Pumped Storage Hydro project envisages the development of tunnels and a new power station connecting the existing reservoir at Loch Quoich with an upper reservoir at Loch Fearna.

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 1.8 GW in generating capacity and capable of producing around 37 GWh of stored energy capacity. The project has already secured a grid connection offer totaling 1,795 MW.

A request for a scoping opinion for the project is before Scottish Government ministers and consultation has commenced with local communities and organizations. It is expected a planning consent application would be submitted to Scottish Government ministers. If consented for development, Fearna could be one of the largest pumped storage hydro projects in the UK. The project could reach commercial operation in the mid-2030s, subject to reaching a final investment decision.

“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,” said Ross Turbet, head of investment management for hydro with SSE Renewables.

“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 optimizing the value of our existing hydro assets while investing in new hydro projects as part of our wider renewable portfolio.”

The Fearna site’s mountainous location is particularly suited to a pumped hydro storage project, as it provides a head with an average of 376 m, along with tunnels about 1 km long connecting the two water bodies. The geology and topography around Loch Fearna are also ideal, acting as a natural “bowl” shape, allowing straightforward modification to form a larger upper reservoir that would blend sensitively into the landscape. These key site characteristics and design features would make the project highly cost competitive, SSE said.