SSE and Gilkes Energy have submitted a planning application for the proposed Fearna pumped storage hydro (PSH) project in the Scottish Highlands.
The 50:50 development joint venture project is located at the western end of Glengarry, around 25km west of Invergarry and adjoins SSE Renewables’ existing Loch Quoich reservoir in the Great Glen hydro scheme. Plans for the project envisage the development of tunnels and a new power station connecting SSE Renewables’ existing reservoir at Loch Quoich with an upper reservoir at Loch Fearna.
Fearna PSH has a proposed installed capacity of 1.8GW with a stored capacity of up to 36GWh, providing 20 hours of storage – making it the largest such scheme in the UK if delivered.
Under the terms of the joint venture agreement announced in July last year, Gilkes Energy will lead the project’s development under a developer services agreement with SSE Renewables.
Gilkes Energy managing director Carl Crompton said energy storage enabled excess renewable generation, particularly from wind, to be stored and released later during periods of low renewable generation.
“This helps displace expensive, carbon-intensive gas generation, accelerating the transition to a clean, carbon-free economy. The 20 hours of storage offered by the Fearna project provides substantial system and consumer benefits. It reduces wind curtailment costs, which are largely passed on to consumers, while also reducing the need for costly gas generation,” said Crompton.
“By investing in PSH capacity, we are facilitating the integration of more renewable energy into the UK system and making a significant contribution toward achieving Net Zero.”
