July 22, 2024: SSE and Gilkes Energy have announced plans for a new pumped storage hydropower project at Loch Fearna in Scotland’s Great Glen. The Fearna Pumped Storage Hydro (PSH) project, situated about 25 km west of Invergarry, will involve constructing tunnels and a new power station to connect SSE Renewables’ existing reservoir at Loch Quoich with an upper reservoir at Loch Fearna.

As the leading partner in this joint venture, SSE will oversee the project’s development, which is expected to achieve a generating capacity of up to 1.8GW and a stored energy capacity of around 37GWh. This initiative, alongside the Earba project, will be one of the largest PSH developments in the UK, enhancing SSE’s position in energy storage and capacity.

In an official press release by Gilks Energy, Carl Crompton, Managing Director, Gilkes Energy Limited stated, “We are delighted to launch, in partnership with SSE Renewables, the Fearna Pumped Storage Hydro project. Energy storage allows energy produced during times of excess generation (mainly wind) to be stored and released later when there is a deficit of renewable energy. Pumped Storage Hydro projects are in effect very large water batteries and the technology behind these projects is very mature and robust. PSH projects can easily last for 100+ years with no degradation in performance. The recent publication of the Government Consultation on Long Duration Electricity Storage (LDES) support, likely to be a ‘Cap & Floor’ mechanism, is also a significant step forward. This Consultation recognizes both the value of Pumped Storage Hydro, but also the challenge of financing such capital intensive and long lead time projects. The proposed Cap & Floor mechanism has been used successfully to bring multiple interconnector projects to fruition, and we hope a similar mechanism will unlock the financing of a number of PSH projects. We look forward to bringing this pioneering project to fruition.”

SSE and Gilkes Energy's Fearna Pumped Storage Hydro project represents a significant advancement in the UK's energy storage capabilities. With SSE leading the development, the project promises to become one of the largest PSH developments in the country, supporting enhanced energy reliability and sustainability.