| Pumped storage
“An investment framework is needed to secure the massive capital investment required for these projects,” said Andrew MacNish Porter, Policy Manager for Economics and Markets at Scottish Renewables. “We therefore urgently need the UK Government to clarify its support for pumped storage hydro and deliver the required policy support to unlock the huge value these projects promise to deliver.”
With SSE Renewables saying it stands ready to invest in this vital technology and Drax adding that, with the right support in place, it is ready to invest more than £500 million in expanding the Cruachan plant on the shores of Loch Awe, the government is being pressurised into agreeing to a market investment framework to aid the deployment of projects so the sector can reach its vast potential. “Pumped storage hydro is the key to unlocking a cleaner, more resilient energy system for the UK, while generating significant economic benefits,” Mark Wilson, CEO of Intelligent Land Investments Group, commented. “With the potential to create over 8000 jobs annually and an estimated investment of up to £21 billion, it’s time for the UK government to take action. By introducing policies that support long-term investment signals, such as ‘cap and floor’, we can unlock the full potential of this technology, enhance energy security, and accelerate our transition to net-zero.” In an open letter to UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, First Minister of Scotland Humza Yousaf, added his support by saying industry representatives have been clear that for long duration energy storage solutions to progress they require a cap-and-floor mechanism that ensures a minimum level of revenue. “With an appropriate market support mechanism, several pumped hydro storage projects across Scotland, that have already secured planning permission, could begin construction immediately and would provide vital resilience and flexibility as thermal generation starts to retire,” Yousaf said, adding that pumped storage is currently the only major renewable electricity technology ineligible for UK Government support, while he is concerned that slow action in this area is dampening investor confidence, preventing projects from coming forward. “UK Government inaction on this issue represents a significant obstacle to deployment, and risks failing to secure the economic benefits of pumped hydro storage projects.” Yousaf also recently visited the 152MW Sloy
Hydropower Station upon SSE Renewables’ announcement that it’s planning to convert the facility into a pumped storage scheme, which could deliver up to 25GWh of long duration storage capacity and enable the provision of firm and flexible renewable energy for up to 160 continuous hours. Highlighting the significance of facilities like Sloy, especially during periods when renewable energy generation fluctuates, Yousaf said: “Hydro power was the country’s original source of renewable energy and it has the potential to play a significantly greater role in the transition to net zero – both on a small-scale in co-operation with local communities and on a larger scale, to help to ensure a continued resilient and secure electricity supply.” SSE Renewables will now refine the project design for converting the Sloy plant into a pumped hydro storage facility, followed by a period of public consultation later this year. Pending a positive
consenting outcome and a supportive policy environment, the company aims to make a final investment decision by late 2025 and commissioning of the new pumped storage scheme could be achieved by 2028.
New developments
In other company news, GE has announced that it will deliver 6x37MW power generating units for the 200MW Chira Soria pumped storage power plant in Gran Canaria, Spain. The project will use seawater, desalting it before it reaches the upper reservoir, and will play a pivotal role in the island’s energy transition, strengthening security of supply which is essential for such an isolated electricity system. Chira Soria will also increase renewable energy production on the island by 37%, raise the average annual coverage of demand using renewable generation to 51%, leading to an additional reduction in annual CO2 emissions of 20%. In addition, less dependence on more expensive energy imports is expected to help achieve annual savings in variable generation costs amounting to €122 million. Water from the scheme will also be used for agriculture, livestock, firefighting, reforestation and helping to reduce desertification.
GE’s scope of work includes the design, supply, transport, and commissioning of the turbines, generators, main transformers, and electrical balance-of- plant equipment. The project, which has been designed with 91% of infrastructure underground to minimise
Below: The 200MW Chira Soria Pumped Storage Power Plant in Gran Canaria, Spain
Above: SSE Renewables has announced it plans to convert the 152MW Sloy Hydropower Station in Scotland into a pumped storage scheme
www.waterpowermagazine.com | July 2023 | 17
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