Glen Earrach Energy submits application for landmark Pumped Storage Hydro project on Loch Ness

• Glen Earrach Energy (GEE) has submitted its application for a 2GW pumped storage hydro (PSH) project near Loch Ness, under Section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989.   

• It is set to be one of the UK’s largest and most efficient energy storage schemes, which will help play a vital role in achieving net zero, improving energy security, and lowering energy costs for everyone. 

• New independent polling shows a majority of Highlanders support PSH on Loch Ness, but want the Scottish planning system to prioritise projects with the biggest community and energy impact.  

• If approved, the project will deliver over £20 million annually over its 125-year life cycle to Highland communities through what would become Scotland’s largest-ever community benefit fund.  

New polling: Highlanders back PSH but want the right projects prioritised  

New polling by Opinium, commissioned by Glen Earrach Energy (GEE), reveals strong support for pumped storage hydro in the region. But Highland residents are clear that the Scottish planning system must prioritise projects that deliver the greatest impact. 56% of Highlanders support PSH on Loch Ness; just 16% oppose it.  

The top priorities for Highlanders are:  

• Delivering reliable and affordable energy (54%);  

• Value for money (53%) and economic benefits/jobs created (53%); and  

• Community benefits where the project is based (50%) – well above the UK average of 43%.  

• Only 7% think the order projects were submitted should determine which ones go ahead.  

A project designed to deliver more, with less  

GEE’s pumped storage hydro project (PSH) will account for nearly three-quarters of the total PSH storage planned for Loch Ness (34GWh out of 46GWh) and two-thirds of its generating capacity, while utilising only half the water. 

The site’s unique topography and 500m gross hydraulic head allow for a more efficient design that generates more power and stores more energy than all other Loch Ness projects combined.   

GEE’s 2GW capacity is equivalent to the output of around 800 onshore wind turbines (2.5MW) currently operating in The Highland Council area. It will help to stabilise the UK grid by storing excess renewables and reducing the need for curtailment payments. In turn it will deliver a 10% reduction in the grid’s carbon footprint and £2.9 billion NPV in grid Net Systems Benefit over its first 20 years of operation.*  

Community feedback directly informed final design  

From the outset, GEE has prioritised early and meaningful engagement with local communities. The project team launched early engagement immediately after submitting its request for a Scoping Opinion, in April 2024. GEE has since completed four separate rounds of consultation with communities around the full Loch Ness area, well before statutory pre-application requirements began.  

This process, resulted in major design changes to reduce visual impact, reduce transport on the A82, protect views, and minimise above-ground infrastructure.  

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. Proactively responding to consultee and public feedback, GEE remains committed to working in partnership with stakeholders to address any concerns raised during the planning process.  

Delivering the largest ever community benefit fund in Scotland  

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.  

The application includes a Letter of Intent which sets GEE’s commitment to ensuring the delivery of a multi-million-pound Community Benefit Fund. 

Glen Earrach Energy Director, Roderick Macleod, said:  

“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. The Highlands deserves the best project, and we remain on track to deliver it, with the first power being produced in 2030.”   

“We’ve listened carefully to local views and will keep doing so. Now we look forward to working with the Scottish Government, The Highland Council and all key stakeholders to deliver this vital project.” 

AECOM Chief Executive for Europe and India, Richard Whitehead said: 

“As the UK transitions to cleaner energy, pumped storage hydro will play an increasingly important role in its future energy mix, providing reliable and efficient storage solutions to balance the grid. 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. Planning submission is a significant step forward and AECOM is proud of its role in achieving this milestone, along with its continued support in the delivery of this scheme.” 

*Estimates provided by LCP Delta, Alpiq & AECOM: GEE will deliver a 10% reduction in the grid’s carbon footprint and £2.9 billion NPV in grid Net Systems Benefit over its first 20 years of operation.