Changes made to plans for Loch Kemp pumped storage hydro scheme near Loch Ness

Changes have been made to a proposed green energy project on the south side of Loch Ness.

A planning application for a pumped storage hydro scheme at Loch Kemp near Whitebridge was submitted last year.

New information to support the application has now been published which can be commented upon for the next 30 days.

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The document, which can be viewed locally, describes some minor changes made in response to comments from statutory consultees and following work carried out by the developer Statera to minimise environmental impact.

They include the removal of a proposed visitor centre to minimise boat traffic during the smolt season, lessen possible interference with Ness Woods conservation area and avoid creating additional competition for hospitality businesses.

The changes also included repositioning the temporary site compound, firming up the position of the borrow pits and reducing the area needed for a temporary working corridor during construction of the scheme.

Statera Energy, initially unveiled its plans at public exhibitions almost three years ago and submitted a planning application in November 2023 after extensive survey work and consultation with the local community and statutory consultees,

The proposed 600MW scheme uses the existing Loch Kemp as the upper storage reservoir and Loch Ness as the lower reservoir.

As well as reducing carbon emissions and delivering greater energy security, its construction phase will give a £30 million boost to the Highland economy and £60 million to the Scottish economy.

The scheme would provide up to 25 high quality long-term jobs.

Andrew Troup, of Statera Energy, said the changes were part of the ongoing collaborative planning process.

“There are very few locations in the UK and Scotland suitable for pumped storage hydro schemes,” he said.

Yet pumped storage hydro is vital for balancing the grid and delivering energy security as we move away from our reliance on fossil fuels to renewable energy.

“By making some adjustments to the height of the upper reservoir, Loch Kemp, and reusing the materials excavated from the tunnels to build the dams, we can provide an energy storage solution which is much less obtrusive and has less impact for local residents.”

The application can be viewed at Loch Kemp Storage or at the Scottish Government’s energy consents unit under application reference ECU00003398.

A final decision will be made by the energy consents unit.

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