SSE Renewables, partners plan massive pumped-storage plant in Scotland

SSE Renewables, part of British utility SSE PLC (LON:SSE), in partnership with a group led by Gilkes Energy, on Monday unveiled a plan to build one of the largest pumped-storage hydro (PSH) stations in the UK -- a project in Scotland with a targeted capacity of up to 1.8 GW/37 GWh.

The scheme includes the development of tunnels and a new power station at Loch Fearna, at the western end of Glengarry around 25 kilometres (15.5 mi) west of Invergarry. It will be near SSE Renewables' existing Loch Quoich reservoir in the Great Glen hydro scheme.

Under a development services agreement with SSE Renewables, Gilkes Energy will lead the development of the Fearna PSH project which has already secured a grid connection offer totalling 1,795 MW.

The partners have already made a request for a scoping opinion for the project before Scottish Government ministers and have started consultations with local communities and organisations. Subject to a final investment decision (FID), the facility could become operational in the mid-2030s.

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