| Pumped storage
storage hydro facilities since 1984. Murray and the delegation learned about creating a pro-growth investment framework to unlock the sector’s full potential in Scotland, along with strategies to maximise community benefits and minimise the environmental impact of large-scale engineering projects. Reflecting on the visit, Murray said: “Under Labour’s vision, Scotland is set to become a global leader in green energy. This visit to the Nant de Drance project is a stepping stone towards realising that ambition. Our goal is clear – deliver clean energy by 2030, support the creation of thousands of jobs, and ensure energy security.”
Glen Earrach Energy (GEE) Director, Roderick MacLeod, expressed gratitude for Murray’s presence, describing it as invaluable. He pointed out the pioneering nature of the Nant de Drance project and its potential application to GEE’s proposed Loch Ness project that is anticipated to play a crucial role in the UK’s energy future. The 900MW Nant de Drance scheme is one of the most powerful pumped storage plants in Europe. Located 600m underground between the Emosson and Vieux Emosson reservoirs, with a storage capacity of 20M kWh it offers flexible power generation and plays a key role in stabilising the electricity grid throughout Europe, as well as safeguarding Switzerland’s power supply.
Indigenous participation In Canada, TC Energy Corporation has announced
that it will continue to advance the Ontario Pumped Storage Project with its prospective partner Saugeen Ojibway Nation, and begin work with the Ministry of Energy and the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) to establish a potential long-term revenue framework for the project. TC Energy and Saugeen Ojibway Nation will assist with the ministry’s evaluation of the assessment of the broader societal and economic benefits linked to the initiative. This decision comes after Ontario’s Minister of
Energy outlined a roadmap for the pumped storage project, including the negotiation of a cost recovery agreement with the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO). Pending an agreement with the IESO, this strategic move will facilitate the ongoing development of the project, in line with Ontario’s long-term vision for economic growth and the establishment of a sustainable, reliable, and clean electricity system. Annesley Wallace, Executive Vice-President of
Strategy and Corporate Development, and President of Power and Energy Solutions at TC Energy, emphasised the importance of the Minister’s direction. She said: “It recognises the critical role that pumped hydro storage will have in enhancing the diversity of Ontario’s supply mix and achieving a net-zero electricity grid.” Looking ahead, TC Energy will collaborate with the Ministry and the OEB to establish a potential long-term revenue framework for the project, culminating in a report to the Minister by 31 July 2024. Following submission of this, along with a detailed report outlining estimated development costs and schedules, the Ministry will provide a recommendation to proceed with pre-development work within 45 days. The initiative is expected to be a cornerstone in
Ontario’s energy landscape, designed, engineered, and built by a domestic supply chain, creating 1000 well-paid jobs and sourcing over 75% of materials locally. Construction is anticipated to commence in the latter part of this decade, with commissioning projected for the early 2030s, contingent upon regulatory and corporate approvals. Conrad Ritchie, Chief of Saugeen First Nation, and
Gregory Nadjiwon, Chief of Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation, underscored the significance of Indigenous participation in electricity development. As Ritchie noted: “The Ontario Pumped Storage Project is a long overdue energy initiative with real benefits for the Indigenous people of the land.”
If developed, the 1000MW facility would be co-
located on the existing Canadian Army’s 4th Canadian Division Training Centre, north of Meaford in Ontario.
Greek milestone Hailed as the largest grid energy storage investment in
Greece and a milestone project for the country’s clean energy transition, Terna SA, the construction branch of the Gekterna Group, has chosen Andritz to supply electromechanical equipment for the Amfilochia pumped storage complex in Central Greece. Upon completion and commencement of operations, the Amfilochia complex is expected to boast a total installed capacity of 680MW for generation and 730MW for pumping. The power plant aims to produce approximately 816GWh of clean and sustainable electrical energy annually. Andritz’s involvement in the scheme encompasses the design, manufacture, supervision of erection, and commissioning of six reversible pump-turbine generator units. The scope also includes various associated auxiliaries and ancillary equipment, governors, excitation and protection systems, main inlet valves, draft tube gates, and digital services.
Snowy breakthrough Snowy Hydro has announced a significant milestone
for the Snowy 2.0 pumped storage hydropower project, as the final metres of the power station’s 223m long transformer hall cavern crown have been successfully breached in Australia. Initiated in June 2023, the Snowy 2.0 delivery team embarked on the excavation of the transformer hall
www.waterpowermagazine.com | March 2024 | 11
Below: Ian Murray MP and Gordon McKee (prospective parliamentary candidate for Labour). Murray said the visit to the Swiss pumped storage was a stepping stone towards realising the UK’s ambition of becoming a global leader in green energy
Above: Group photo taken at the recent visit to Nant de Drance pumped storage plant in Switzerland. Pictured from left to right are Bernard Valluy, Alpiq; Richard Hearnden, Green Highland; Ian Murray MP; Roderick MacCleod, Glen Earrach Energy; and Alex Reading, Green Highland and Chair of the British Hydropower Association
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37
