Loch Ness £20 million Glen Earrach hydro scheme benefit fund consultation launched

A public consultation has been launched into a community benefit fund tied to a major hydro project.

Developers say the scheme connected to the proposed Glen Earrach Energy (GEE) pumped storage hydro (PSH) project would provide more than £20 million per year of investment for communities close to scheme as well as across the wider area.

The consultation survey is an opportunity for local communities to shape how the fund is structured, managed and allocated.

The proposed scheme on the Balmacaan Estate would pump water between Loch Ness and Loch nam Breac Dearga on its northern side.

GEE has previously said it is committed to ensuring the project positively impacts the area and values the community’s input to guide the project’s ongoing development, having already held consultation events to share more about their plans.

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They have stated that they would hope to submit a planning application in the early part of this year, with a view to beginning construction in late 2025/ early 2026.

GEE director Roderick MacLeod said: “Pumped storage hydro projects are vastly larger in scale than traditional onshore wind farms, both in terms of capacity and longevity.

“Our project alone will generate the equivalent output of all operational onshore wind farms in the Highland Council area, or around 800 turbines.

“Given the sheer scale of this investment, it’s only right that the economic benefits match that scale, ensuring communities receive meaningful support over the lifetime of the project.

“We expect our community benefit fund will far exceed the £9.1 million distributed by the entire Highland wind energy sector last year.

“However, at this stage, we want to be open to all views on how the fund should be structured to support best the communities that host major renewable developments.

“We recognise that the best approach to community benefit is one designed with the people who will receive it.

“A fund of this scale presents an opportunity to support local services, infrastructure and long-term investment, but it also raises questions about governance, priorities and distribution.

“One of the greatest strengths of pumped storage hydro is its longevity.

Properly maintained, these projects can operate for well over a century.

“That means communities must see benefits not just in the short term, but for generations.

“This consultation is a key step in ensuring that we get this right, delivering a funding package that supports long-term prosperity in the Highlands.”

The consultation is now live, and local residents, businesses and community organisations are encouraged to take part by filling out the survey here

A community drop-in event will also take place on Friday, April 3 from 4-8pm at Craigmonie Centre, Glenurquhart High School, Drumnadrochit. To attend you should register here

Feedback can also be emailed to info@glenearrach.energy

If given the go-ahead the hydro scheme could be the fifth one at Loch Ness, prompting concerns regarding the potential environmental and economic impact.

Ness District Salmon Fishery Board (NDSFB) says the cumulative impact of the schemes operational, or planned, would see the water level in Loch Ness rise and fall by one metre, or more, on a daily basis.

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