Balliemeanoch Pump Storage Hydro Scheme

Further Environmental Information (FEI)

We have submitted Further Environmental Information (FEI) in relation to the Balliemeanoch Pumped Storage Hydro project.
Details on how to make representations and where to view the documents in person are included in the Notice of Submission (link below).
The FEI provides updated assessments and additional information on a range of environmental topics to support the planning process. It builds upon the original Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and has been prepared in response to feedback from statutory consultees and stakeholders.


You can view the documents using the links below:

Notice of Submission of Further Environmental Information (PDF)

Further Environmental Information (FEI) (PDF)

We remain committed to engaging with local communities and stakeholders as we progress this nationally significant long-duration energy storage project. Balliemeanoch will play a vital role in supporting the UK’s transition to net zero while delivering substantial economic benefits to the region.

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Why Pump Storage

The amount of electricity generated from renewables in the UK has increased 3-fold over the last decade. Due to its intermittent nature, the rise in renewable generation has resulted in increased demand for flexible capacity to help meet energy balancing requirements for the national grid system.

Pumped storage hydro is considered by the Directors to be the most developed and largest capacity form of grid energy storage that currently exists.  This can help reduce renewable energy curtailment and therefore promote grid stability.

 

 

 

 

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PSH Technology

Pumped storage is a way of storing energy by turning electrical energy into stored (or potential) energy and back again to electrical energy. The system uses electricity to pump water from a lower reservoir to a higher reservoir. This pumping happens at times when there is more energy being produced on the grid network than is needed. This energy is stored until it is required, when the water is allowed to flow back through a hydro-turbine, generating electricity to meet sudden or predicted spikes in consumer demand.

This cycle of pumping and generating repeats on a daily basis as required. Pumped storage utilises excess generated electricity when consumer demand is low and generates electricity when demand requires. 
It can be used at very short notice to provide what the Directors consider to be a flexible and valuable balancing service to the relevant distribution network operator.


A typical conventional pumped storage hydro power plant consists of four components:

  1. Water reservoirs: normally two interconnected water reservoirs.

  2. Water piping: tunnels that allow moving water from one reservoir to another.

  3. Powerhouse: facility with one or more pump/turbine and motor/generator assemblies that allow pumping water into the upper reservoir at off-peak hours, and discharging water into the lower reservoir.

  4. Grid connection: power transmission lines to move the generated power from the plant into the grid.

Components are often housed underground.

 

 

The Project

Scheme Capacity = up to 1.5GW
Penstock Length = 2,800m
Max. Dam Height = 110m
Penstock Diameter = 9m
Headpond Working Volume = 58,000,000 m³
Power Cavern Size = 150m (l) x 50m (w) x 40m (h)


Site Location

Likely Effects

  • Loss of habitat / protected species
  • Water Quality
  • Noise
  • Air Quality (dust)
  • Landscape and visual
  • Transport
  • Amenity, recreation and tourism

Relevant Statutory Bodies

  • SEPA
  • NatureScot
  • Historic Scotland
  • SSE
  • Energy Consents Unit
  • Recreational and Tourism

What Has Happened So Far?

  • Ongoing Consultation, Environmental Surveying and Community Engagement
  • Submission of Scoping Report
  • Formal Public Exhibitions
  • Completion and Submission of Section 36 application and EIA

What Happens Next?

  • Formal public exhibitions
  • Preparation of Section 36 application and EIA
  • Consideration of Application by the Energy Consents Unit

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QUESTIONS?

Please send any queries via this form.

 

Thank You