Loch Ness energy storage project team to hold community drop-in

Residents in and around Balnain, Drumnadrochit and Loch Ness have been invited to the latest community engagement event organised by Glen Earrach Energy (GEE), developers of what could be the UK’s largest pumped storage hydro (PSH) project at Balmacaan Estate.

Members of the public will have the opportunity to find out more information about the project and share their views on the project plans and how a Community Benefit Fund, committed to by GEE at the last early engagement event in May, could benefit the local area.

The 2GW scheme was first submitted to the Scottish Government’s Energy Consents Unit for scoping in April. With a substantial height difference exceeding 480 metres between the upper and lower lochs, developers say it will be capable of moving less water and generating more energy and electricity storage than all other PSH projects on Loch Ness combined.

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GEE Director, Roderick MacLeod, said: “We're excited to deepen our engagement with the local community before the statutory consultation begins later this year.

“Our goal is to maximise the project's benefits, and we believe larger-scale, water-efficient projects can deliver greater value for residents, the local economy and environment, while minimising impact. We are inviting residents to share their vision for a Community Benefit Fund that best meets the community’s needs at our upcoming event.”

Since the first community engagement event in May, GEE has appointed international hydropower expert Martin Lacey to its project delivery team. His expertise includes successful projects in Georgia and China and he will be instrumental in driving forward the development of GEE’s flagship PSH project in Scotland.

GEE has also met with the newly appointed Secretary of State for Scotland, Ian Murray, at a British Hydropower Association PSH event.

In response to the Scotland Secretary’s keynote speech at the BHA PSH event, in which he committed the new government to invest in long term energy storage, Mr MacLeod said: “The Secretary of State’s reaffirmation of the 2030 target for cheap, clean power generation, and his acknowledgment of pumped storage hydro’s pivotal role in Scotland’s green energy leadership, is extremely encouraging.

“His recognition of the need for a robust policy framework to unlock PSH’s potential in the UK is essential.

“We look forward to working closely with the UK government to develop a cap and floor mechanism that optimises grid benefits, consumer value, the environment, and community impact."

The event takes place from 4.30pm to 9.30pm at Balnain Hall on Wednesday, August 14 with registration here

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