Glen Earrach Energy (GEE) has taken a significant step towards revolutionising the UK’s energy landscape by submitting its application for a 2GW pumped storage hydro (PSH) project near Loch Ness, Scotland. This ambitious venture, if approved, promises to deliver over £20 million annually to Highland communities over its 125-year lifespan, injecting much-needed economic vitality into the region.
Founded by Balmac Forest Limited, GEE is collaborating with a powerhouse consortium of experts, including AECOM, AFRY, WSP, and Alpiq. Together, they aim to deliver one of the UK’s most efficient and largest PSH facilities on the Balmacaan Estate. The project’s unique selling point lies in its ability to generate more power and store more energy than all other Loch Ness projects combined, despite utilising only half the water. This efficiency is attributed to the site’s distinctive topography and a 500-metre gross hydraulic head.
The project’s scale is staggering. GEE’s 2GW capacity is equivalent to the output of around 800 onshore wind turbines currently operating in the Highland Council area. This capacity will play a crucial role in stabilising the UK grid by storing excess renewable energy and reducing the need for curtailment payments, a significant drain on the UK’s renewable energy sector.
Public support for the project is strong, with new polling by Opinium, commissioned by GEE, revealing that 56% of Highlanders back the PSH on Loch Ness, while 16% oppose it. However, the polling also highlights a desire for the Scottish planning system to prioritise projects that deliver the greatest impact, a challenge that GEE seems poised to meet.
GEE has been proactive in engaging with local communities, launching early consultations immediately after submitting its request for a Scoping Opinion in April 2024. This process has resulted in major design changes to reduce visual impact, minimise transport on the A82, protect views, and reduce above-ground infrastructure. This level of community engagement is not just a box-ticking exercise; it’s a commitment to ensuring that the project benefits the local area as much as possible.
The Section 36 Application, under the Electricity Act 1989, includes a full Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), following detailed site studies by a team of environmental specialists. This thorough approach underscores GEE’s commitment to sustainability and responsible development.
The economic benefits are substantial. The project is expected to support around 1,000 jobs during the peak of construction, create long-term high-quality employment, and inject significant local and regional supply chain value into the Highlands economy. Moreover, the application includes a Letter of Intent setting out GEE’s commitment to delivering a multi-million-pound Community Benefit Fund.
Glen Earrach Energy Director, Roderick Macleod, expressed his confidence in the project, stating, “This project is poised to become one of the UK’s largest and most advanced energy storage initiatives, delivering the most substantial community benefit fund ever in Scotland.” He emphasised the importance of listening to local views and working closely with the Scottish Government, The Highland Council, and all key stakeholders to deliver this vital project.
The approval of this project could set a precedent for future energy developments in the UK, demonstrating the potential of PSH to support the grid, benefit local communities, and drive economic growth. However, it also raises questions about the balance between renewable energy development and community impact. As the UK strives to meet its net-zero targets, projects like GEE’s PSH could become a blueprint for how to achieve this while maximising benefits for local communities. The coming months will be crucial as stakeholders weigh the potential benefits against the environmental and social impacts.