| Pumped storage
largest and most advanced energy storage initiatives”. Richard Whitehead, AECOM Chief Executive for Europe and India, added: “The scale of Glen Earrach has the potential to meaningfully contribute to Scotland’s net zero ambitions, and those of the UK as a whole, while also delivering benefits to both the environment and local communities.” In March this year, it was announced that 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 finalising project design, securing investment, and preparing for construction.
Upgrading Sloy Back in April, SSE Renewables submitted a Section
36 planning application to the Scottish Government to convert the existing Sloy Power Station near Loch Lomond into a pumped storage hydro scheme. The proposal would see the station, which has operated since 1950, adapted to include a pumping capacity of up to 100MW, allowing it to deliver up to 16GWh of long-duration electricity storage. If approved, SSE plans to reach a final investment decision by late 2027, with the conversion completed and operational by the end of 2030. The project would involve installing new pumps at the Inveruglas site, enabling water to be pumped from Loch Lomond to Loch Sloy during low electricity demand periods. This stored water would then be released to generate electricity when demand is higher. The application also includes a proposal to upgrade the station’s existing 32.5MW G4 turbine, which would raise the plant’s total generating capacity from 152.5MW to 160MW. According to SSE, the development phase could support up to 70 full-time equivalent jobs and contribute to the local economy. A dedicated community benefit fund would also be created, adding to the recently launched £10 million Hydro Community Fund. Robert Bryce, Director of Hydro at SSE Renewables,
said: “The proposed pumped storage hydro scheme will play an important role in the UK Government’s Clean Power by 2030 ambitions, providing firm, flexible renewable energy for up to 100 hours non-stop at the flick of a switch. The existing Sloy Power Station has been operational since 1950 and over the past seven decades has played a significant role in our energy system. The new proposals will ensure this remains an important asset for decades to come.
Above: Loch Ness in Scotland. Three new projects are proposed here
Below: A view of Llanberis in Wales where the Glyn Rhonwy scheme is under development by the Quarry Battery Company
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