It is now progressing development plans for new pumped storage hydropower projects in the Highlands to complement its existing fleet and deliver the large-scale, long-duration electricity storage (LDES) needed as part of Britain's future energy mix.
How much will the Highland Energy project cost?
The project is expected to deliver more than £20m ($26.6m) annually to Highland communities over its 125-year life cycle. The project could become one of the UK's largest energy storage schemes. Credit: Glen Earrach Energy.
In much of the UK, energy storage and energy generation projects under 50 MW can be approved by a standard local planning process, while projects above 50 MW are classified as Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) and require a more complex consent process.
Could a 2GW pumped storage hydro project become UK's largest energy storage scheme?
The project could become one of the UK's largest energy storage schemes. Credit: Glen Earrach Energy. Glen Earrach Energy (GEE) has submitted its application for a 2GW pumped storage hydro (PSH) project near Loch Ness in Scotland.
GEE unveiled plans for the PSH project in May 2024, according to a report in The Insider. The project could become one of the UK's largest energy storage schemes. It will help in achieving net-zero goals, enhancing energy security and reducing energy costs.
The project near Loch Ness, if approved, could become one of the UK's largest energy storage projects. (Credit: Glen Earrach Energy) Glen Earrach Energy (GEE) has officially submitted an application for a 2GW pumped storage hydro (PSH) project near Loch Ness in Scotland.
Credit: Glen Earrach Energy. Glen Earrach Energy (GEE) has submitted its application for a 2GW pumped storage hydro (PSH) project near Loch Ness in Scotland. The application, submitted under Section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989, also includes a Letter of Intent, highlighting GEE's efforts to establish a multi-million-pound community benefit fund.