ILI Group has submitted a Section 36 planning application to the Scottish government for its ambitious 1500MW Balliemeanoch pumped storage hydro (PSH) project in Argyll & Bute, Scotland. The project, situated at Loch Awe, aims to significantly bolster the UK's renewable energy infrastructure, potentially powering 4.5 million homes and cutting the country's carbon emissions by 200 million tonnes over its operational lifetime.
Scheduled for connection by 2031, the Balliemeanoch PSH project is positioned as a pivotal component in the UK's long-term energy strategy. It promises to deliver 1.5GW of power for up to 30 hours, amounting to approximately 45,000MWh of energy storage capacity.
Mark Wilson, CEO of ILI Group, underscored the project's strategic importance: “The submission of the planning application for Balliemeanoch marks another pivotal step in our commitment to enhancing the UK's renewable energy capabilities. This comes on the heels of our recent sale to Statkraft for the Loch na Cathrach project, which further validates the critical role of pumped storage hydro in our energy future. Long-duration energy storage projects like Balliemeanoch and Loch na Cathrach are essential for maintaining grid stability as we increase our reliance on renewable energy sources.”
The project entails a comprehensive five-year construction campaign, involving the construction of a new headpond capable of holding 58 million cubic meters of water. Investment estimates range between £1.5 billion and £2 billion, with the potential to create up to 1000 jobs at peak construction.
ILI Group has enlisted infrastructure consulting firm AECOM as technical consultants for the project. Wilson acknowledged AECOM's contribution, stating, “AECOM's expertise in large-scale infrastructure schemes has been instrumental in developing the detailed plans for this ambitious scheme.”
Wilson also emphasized the broader benefits of the Balliemeanoch project: “This project not only addresses climate change but also promises significant economic benefits. It will increase the country's energy security and has the potential to reduce household energy bills.”
To facilitate transparency and understanding among stakeholders, ILI Group has created a 3D visualization of the proposed Balliemeanoch pumped storage hydro scheme. This tool allows stakeholders to explore the project's layout and its integration into the local landscape, aiding in informed decision-making and community engagement.
