Drax Group Plc has enlisted engineering firm Voith Hydro to conduct a front-end engineering and design study for its proposed 600MW Cruachan 2 pumped storage hydro scheme, marking a significant step in advancing the UK's first such project in four decades.
Located adjacent to Drax's existing 440MW Cruachan facility near Oban, Scotland, the underground plant aims to bolster the country's renewable energy infrastructure amidst ongoing exploratory ground works and seismic surveys.
Voith Hydro's role will encompass comprehensive reports, data models, and cost estimates, crucial for defining project scope before proceeding to detailed engineering phases.
Development consent from the Scottish government was secured last year, but further progress hinges on updated policy support from London, given the absence of a suitable framework since the last UK pumped storage hydro plant was built in 1984.
Steve Marshall, Drax development manager, highlighted the scheme's potential to enhance UK energy security and stimulate the Scottish economy through job creation.
Voith Hydro project manager Stefan Linhart expressed commitment to the project, underscoring collaboration with Drax and partners to ensure performance and safety standards are met.
Drax is concurrently upgrading its existing plant with an £80 million investment, set to increase generating capacity to 480MW.
