| World news Scotland Planning consent approved for Earba, as application submitted for Fearna


Scotland’s push for large-scale energy storage is gaining momentum, with the approval of planning consent for the 1.8GW Earba storage project. The news followed an announcement that planning application had been submitted for the similarly sized Fearna pumped storage hydropower scheme. In late March, it was announced tha the Earba Storage Project, a


proposed pumped storage hydro (PSH) scheme with an installed capacity of 1800MW and a storage capacity of 40,000MWh, has received planning consent from the Energy Consents Unit of the Scottish Government. This makes it the largest PSH project ever approved in the UK. Carl Crompton, Managing Director of Gilkes Energy, confirmed the


approval, stating: “We are thrilled to share that our flagship pumped storage hydro project, Earba, has received planning consent from the Energy Consents Unit of the Scottish Government.” The project is designed to store energy generated from renewable


sources, particularly wind power, and release it when demand is high. With 22 hours of storage at full capacity, the facility aims to enhance grid stability as the UK transitions from fossil fuel-based power generation to renewable energy sources. Planning application for the project was submitted back in March 2024. Known as a ‘Section 36’ Planning Application, it included considerable surveys, analysis, engineering design and consultation all summarized in an Environmental Impact Assessment report. The need for large-scale energy storage has grown as the country


moves toward net-zero emissions. Storage projects like Earba help integrate renewable energy into the grid by storing excess electricity and minimizing reliance on gas generation. Crompton emphasized the project’s benefits, stating that it would “support decarbonisation, strengthen energy security, and lower costs for consumers.” Gilkes Energy is also working with the UK Government and Ofgem


to implement the Long Duration Energy Storage (LDES) ‘Cap & Floor’ mechanism in 2025. This policy is expected to facilitate investment in PSH projects by addressing financial risks. Crompton noted that the mechanism has already attracted private investment for interconnectors and is expected to do the same for pumped storage.


With planning approval secured, Gilkes Energy will now focus on finalizing project design, securing investment, and preparing for construction. Further updates will be available on the project’s website at www.earbastorage.co.uk. Just a week earlier it was announced that a planning application for the 1.8GW Fearna project has been submitted to the Energy Consents Unit of the Scottish Government. The project, a joint venture between SSE Renewables and Gilkes


Energy, aims to provide 36,000 MWh of energy storage, making it one of the largest schemes of its kind in the UK. It is located at the western end of Glengarry, approximately 25 km west of Invergarry, and utilizes existing hydro infrastructure to enhance efficiency and economic viability.


As part of the application process, the developers engaged with statutory consultees, including NatureScot and SEPA, and incorporated feedback from public consultation events. The application also includes a biodiversity enhancement plan for the Glengarry area. Fraser Allison, Project Director for the Fearna PSH project, commented: “We are delighted to have submitted the Planning Application for the Fearna Pumped Storage Hydro project. “This ambitious project, with 1800MW of installed capacity and 36,000MWh of stored energy, is considered of national significance due to its scale. To put it into perspective, compared to a typical lithium-ion battery storage project (50MW with 2 hours of storage, equivalent to 100MWh), the Fearna project offers the equivalent of 360 such battery projects while maintaining a much smaller ecological footprint. The lifespan of the Fearna pumped storage project would be in excess of 100 years, compared to a far shorter period for typical lithium-ion battery sites, making this a truly sustainable project.” The construction phase is expected to last approximately seven


years, supporting an average of 500 jobs, including engineers, project managers, and site operatives. The project is also expected to bring economic benefits to the Highlands, both during and after construction, by creating long-term employment opportunities.


Nepal


BII and Sanima Bank sign $15 million loan deal to support clean energy sector British International Investment (BII), the UK’s development finance institution, has signed a $15 million trade loan agreement with Sanima Bank of Nepal. The credit facility will support Sanima Bank’s trade finance activities, funding the import of capital goods for renewable energy projects, particularly in hydropower, as well as manufacturing, food, and agriculture. Hydropower accounts for over 90% of Nepal’s electricity generation, and the government aims to develop 15GW of electricity by 2035. The financing from BII will contribute to this goal by supporting the construction of renewable energy plants and the import of hydromechanical and electromechanical equipment, solar energy systems, and raw materials for manufacturing and agriculture. British Ambassador to Nepal, Rob Fenn,


said: “This facility from British International Investment underscores the UK’s commitment to sustainable economic development in Nepal which will benefit households and businesses throughout the region.” Habib Yousuf, Regional Director for South Asia at BII, stated: “BII is thrilled to partner with Sanima Bank to enhance its climate finance lending. This facility will help to improve access to affordable, reliable, and clean energy for businesses and households in Nepal. The positive impact of this will be far-reaching, contributing to sustainable development and improving the quality of life for countless individuals.”


Pawan Kumar Acharya, Deputy Chief


Executive Officer of Sanima Bank, added: “This partnership marks a significant step towards accelerating Nepal’s transition to sustainable energy sources while addressing the country’s growing energy needs. This endeavour also aligns with global efforts to reduce reliance


on fossil fuels and combat climate change. Sanima Bank envisions to promote low-carbon energy projects that foster economic growth and create long-term positive impacts for local communities.” The agreement supports Nepal’s broader


strategy to boost clean energy production and increase electricity exports to neighbouring countries, including India and Bangladesh.


Austria Tunnel boring machine begins work on Kaprun pressure tunnel A tunnel boring machine (TBM) has begun work on a new 5.6km pressure tunnel as part of the modernization of VERBUND’s Kaprun- Hauptstufe power plant. The launch took place on February 18, 2025, with the traditional miner’s greeting ‘Glück Auf.’ The event, known as the ‘turning ceremony,’ marked a key milestone for the ‘Kaprun


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