Plans for a 300MW pumped storage scheme on the Isle of Lewis, Scotland, have been unveiled by Eishken Limited.
The proposed scheme will be adjacent to and form part of the already consented 162MW Muaitheabhal Wind Farm on the Isle of Lewis. It will permit part of the output of the wind farm to be stored until required allowing it to balance the sometime intermittent nature of wind. The scheme would significantly increase (from 40% to 80%) the use of the Western Isles Link, the cable being installed by the National Grid to export and import electricity generated from renewable energy sources on the islands.
“There are very few pumped storage hydropower schemes throughout the UK and what we are proposing is particularly innovative given the use of the sea as the lower reservoir,” said Nick Oppenheim of Eishken Limited. “This scheme will not only materially enhance the benefits to be derived from the Western Isles link but will make a material difference in the supply of energy to the mainland. It will also be a key element in the Scotland’s renewable energy armoury.”
Eishken estimate that more than 150 jobs will be created during the three to five-year construction period.
The company is expected to seek consent for the scheme later this year. AECOM is advising Eishken on the technical aspects of this project.
