PLANNING permission for a pumped storage hydro (PSH) scheme on two lochs in the Highlands has been granted by the Scottish Government.
Gilkes Energy, based in Kendal, plans to install the PSH at Lochan na h-Earba, which once built will have a maximum output capacity of 1,800MW and a storage capacity of 40,000MWh, making it the largest project of its kind in the UK.
The project will use Loch Leamhain as the upper reservoir and Loch Earba as the lower reservoir and there are plans to connect the two bodies of water with a 3km long tunnel.
PSH is a large-scale energy storage method that uses two reservoirs at different elevations to store energy by pumping water uphill when demand is low and then releasing it to generate electricity when there is a high demand.
A powerhouse will also be constructed on the shore of Loch Earba, which will be extended underground with turbines located at the bottom.
The turbines will generate electricity when demand is high or pump water for energy storage in times when there is surplus electricity on the national grid.
Gilkes Energy’s managing director, Carl Crompton, said the company was “delighted” to launch the project and that it is in an “excellent location”.
“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,” he said.
“Pumped storage hydro ‘PSH’ projects are in effect very big batteries and the technology behind these projects is both very mature and robust, but also extremely cost competitive.
“The Earba project is in an excellent location with the geography in the area providing some natural water storage and allowing the project to be sensitively blended into the landscape.”
Loch Earba was selected by Gilkes Energy due to its characteristics that are “ideal for a pumped storage hydro project”.
The energy firm said the geology and topography of the surrounding area form a natural “bowl” shape which will allow “straightforward” construction to form upper and lower reservoirs.
The National Grid transmission network, which is near the site, and existing road access were also seen as ideal when the project was being drawn up.
Crompton added: “By developing and investing in PSH capacity, we are helping more renewables to be added to the UK system, displacing expensive and carbon-emitting gas generation and ultimately speeding up the transition to a clean, carbon-free economy.”
