SSE has announced plans to advance a new pumped storage hydropower project at Loch Fearna in Scotland's Great Glen through a 50:50 joint venture with a consortium led by Gilkes Energy. This co-development is situated approximately 25km west of Invergarry and adjoins SSE Renewables' existing Loch Quoich reservoir.
The Fearna Pumped Storage Hydro (PSH) project aims to create tunnels and a new power station connecting the existing Loch Quoich reservoir with an upper reservoir at Loch Fearna. The development is expected to have a generating capacity of up to 1.8GW and could produce around 37GWh of stored energy capacity. A grid connection offer totaling 1795MW has already been secured.
Under the joint venture, Gilkes Energy will lead the project's development under a development services agreement with SSE Renewables. The project is currently seeking a scoping opinion from Scottish Government ministers, with consultations underway with local communities and organizations. A planning consent application is anticipated to be submitted in due course.
Ross Turbet, head of investment management for hydro at SSE Renewables, highlighted the importance of this project: “As the UK transitions to net zero, the development of additional pumped storage hydro projects will be crucial for energy security and for balancing an increasingly renewables-led energy system during periods when the wind doesn't blow, and the sun doesn't shine. The proposed Fearna project is a welcome addition to our development pipeline.”
Carl Crompton, managing director at Gilkes Energy, emphasized the technology's longevity and reliability: “Pumped Storage Hydro projects are in effect very large water batteries, and the technology behind these projects is very mature and robust. PSH projects can easily last for 100+ years with no degradation in performance.”
The UK Government's recent consultation on implementing a cap and floor investment framework for long-duration electricity storage, including pumped storage hydro, represents a significant step forward. The consultation outcome is expected by the end of 2024, potentially opening the first application window for projects in 2025.
If approved, the Fearna project could become one of the largest pumped storage hydro projects in the UK, potentially reaching commercial operation in the mid-2030s. This development underscores SSE Renewables' commitment to optimizing existing hydro assets and investing in new hydro projects as part of its broader renewable energy portfolio.
