Glen Earrach Energy (GEE), developer of a new 2GW pumped storage facility to be located at the Balmacaan Estate in Scotland, has appointed international hydropower expert Martin Lacey to its project delivery team. The announcement coincides with GEE Director Roderick MacLeod’s meeting with newly appointed Scotland Secretary Ian Murray at a key industry event.
Martin Lacey, Managing Director of WestGlen Consult, brings significant international experience in large hydro and pumped storage hydropower (PSH) projects, including successful ventures in Georgia and China. He will oversee the fast-track development of the Glen Earrach pumped storage scheme, including design and ground investigation works and the upcoming procurement process.
“We are delighted to be working with Martin. His deep knowledge of the global PSH landscape will be invaluable as we work to deliver this critical project for Scotland and the UK. With Martin on board, we are confident in maximising the project’s positive impact on the local community and the wider economy,” said GEE Director, Roderick MacLeod.
The project team also includes Swiss utility Alpiq, known for the 900MW Nant de Drance PSH project, visited by Ian Murray earlier this year.
At the British Hydropower Association’s PSH event on Thursday 18 July 2024, Scotland Secretary Ian Murray MP delivered a keynote speech, stating, “Hydropower has a vital role to play in meeting our very ambitious targets and guaranteeing Scotland and the UK’s energy security in the years and decades to come. The new government will invest in long term energy storage to ensure there’s sufficient zero emission backup power and storage to guarantee that security of supply.”
Murray highlighted the UK’s commitment to clean energy and the importance of PSH in achieving net zero targets. He emphasized Scotland’s potential as a leader in long-duration energy storage, noting that Glen Earrach Energy’s project could power more than a million fully decarbonized homes.
Murray’s speech follows his visit to a Swiss PSH facility with GEE earlier this year. GEE Director Roderick MacLeod met with Murray at the event to discuss the project’s contribution to Scotland’s energy future.
“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 optimizes grid benefits, consumer value, the environment, and community impact,” said MacLeod.
