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ILI Group submits plans for Scottish pumped-storage hydro project

Posted on by darion

ILI Group has submitted a Section 36 planning application to the Scottish Government for Balliemeanoch PSH, a major 1.5 GW pumped-storage hydro (PSH) project in Argyll & Bute, Scotland. The ambitious project aims to improve the UK’s renewable energy infrastructure, potentially powering 4.5 million homes and reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 200 million tonnes over the life of the project. With a planned connection date of 2031, Balliemeanoch PSH is well placed to play a key role in the UK’s long-term energy strategy.

As the UK accelerates its transition towards an ever greater reliance on renewable energy, the need for large-scale, long-lived energy storage has never been more critical. The Balliemeanoch PSH project represents a significant step towards meeting this need and supporting the country’s climate goals.

Key project details:

  • Capacity: 1.5 GW of power for up to 30 hours, 45,000 MWh.
  • Location: Loch Awe, Dalmally, Argyll & Bute, Scotland.
  • Storage: New tank with a capacity of 58 million m33 From water.
  • Environmental impact: CO2 emissions are expected to be reduced by over 200 million tons2 equivalent throughout its entire service life.
  • Economic benefits: £1.5-£2 billion of construction investment, up to 1,000 construction jobs at peak, and many indirect jobs in Scotland and the UK.
  • Construction schedule: Construction takes 5 years.
  • Estimated connection date: 2031.

    • Project Development: ILI Group has appointed AECOM, a world renowned infrastructure consultancy, as technical consultants for the Balliemeanoch PSH project. AECOM’s expertise in large scale infrastructure projects has been instrumental in developing the detailed plans for this ambitious project.

    “The submission of the planning application for Balliemeanoch marks another key step in our commitment to increasing the potential of renewable energy in the UK. It follows on from our recent sale of the Loch na Cathrach (formerly known as Red John) project to Statkraft, further confirming the critical role of pumped-storage hydro in our energy future. Long-term energy storage projects such as Balliemeanoch and Loch na Cathrach are essential to maintaining grid stability as we increase our reliance on renewable energy sources,” said Mark Wilson, CEO of ILI Group.

    “The UK Government’s recent consultation on long-term energy storage highlights the need for a robust policy framework to support these projects. The proposed cap and floor investment framework will be key to overcoming investment barriers, ensuring Scotland can deploy significant storage capacity to meet our net zero emissions targets. This project not only addresses climate change but also promises significant economic benefits. It will improve the country’s energy security and has the potential to reduce household energy bills,” Wilson continued.

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    Read the article online at: https://www.energyglobal.com/other-renewables/11072024/ili-group-submits-planning-for-scottish-pumped-hydro-project/