A £3 billion project to transform Scotland’s Loch Ness into a massive energy storage facility is moving forward.
Glen Earrach Energy (GEE) is spearheading the initiative, which involves building a 2GW pumped hydro energy storage (PHES) plant at the Balmacaan Estate.
This ambitious project aims to address the UK’s energy challenges by providing a reliable and low-carbon energy source. PHES technology works by pumping water to a higher reservoir during periods of low energy demand and storing it as potential energy. When demand rises, the water will be released to generate electricity.
GEE claims that the Loch Ness site’s unique topography, with a height difference of over 480 meters between reservoirs, will allow it to generate more energy with less water compared to other similar projects in the area. The company estimates that the facility will produce 30GWh of electricity and reduce the carbon footprint of the UK’s energy grid by 10%.
The project is part of the Scottish Government’s drive to achieve a net zero energy grid by 2030. A recent study by LCP-Delta highlighted the need for at least 10 large-scale PHES projects to achieve this target.
While the project is still in the planning stages, with construction expected to take around six years, it has already gathered significant support. Scottish Secretary of State Ian Murray has emphasised the vital role of hydropower in the UK’s energy future.
The Loch Ness project is one of several large-scale PHES initiatives underway in Scotland, reflecting the growing importance of this technology in the transition to a low-carbon economy.
Source(s) :
Progress for £3bn Loch Ness energy storage project | Ground Engineering (geplus.co.uk)
https://www.edie.net/3bn-pumped-hydro-storage-project-slated-for-loch-ness/