In a move to explore opportunities for enhancing the United Kingdom's renewable energy landscape, Labour Shadow Secretary of State for Scotland, Ian Murray MP, embarked on a fact-finding mission to the Nant de Drance pumped storage hydroelectric project in Switzerland. The visit, conducted in collaboration with companies including Glen Earrach Energy (GEE), Green Highland, Alpiq, and AECOM, aimed to glean insights into the potential integration of similar technologies in the UK.
The Nant de Drance project, commissioned in 2022, stands as one of Europe's most powerful pumped storage plants, providing a real-world example for Murray and his delegation. This visit comes at a crucial time, coinciding with the UK government's emphasis on bolstering energy storage capabilities and Labour's commitment to position Britain as a clean energy superpower.
The backdrop of the UK government's ongoing consultation on the policy framework for long-duration electricity storage (LDES) adds significance to Murray's exploration of the Nant de Drance project. The Labour Party has pledged to invest in long-duration energy storage to ensure a reliable zero-emission backup power supply during periods without wind or sun. The commitment also includes maintaining a strategic reserve of backup gas power stations to guarantee energy security.
The tour to the Nant de Drance project provided essential lessons for the UK, particularly in the context of the country not having seen the development of new pumped storage hydro facilities since 1984. Murray and the delegation learned about creating a pro-growth investment framework to unlock the sector's full potential in Scotland, along with strategies to maximize community benefits and minimize the environmental impact of large-scale engineering projects.
Reflecting on the visit, Murray said: "Under Labour's vision, Scotland is set to become a global leader in green energy. This visit to the Nant de Drance project is a stepping stone towards realising that ambition. Our goal is clear – deliver clean energy by 2030, support the creation of thousands of jobs, and ensure energy security. With a UK Labour government, Scotland can lead the world and deliver the green energy of the future.”
The Labour Party's commitment to doubling the number of Scottish jobs in the low-carbon sector was reiterated during the visit, with a focus on learning from the Swiss experience to overcome potential obstacles. Murray emphasized the importance of supporting builders rather than blockers to ensure the UK gets affordable, clean, and secure power.
Switzerland's Committee on the Environment, Regional Planning, and Energy member, Roger Nordmann, lauded hydro pump-storage as a useful complement to wind and photovoltaic (PV) generation.
“While battery is optimal for day-night storage, hydro pump storage can furnish monthly or seasonal storage. It also offers security back-up for grid stabilization. Hydro pump storage is highly efficient, with an overall efficiency by 80%, far better than hydrogen (H2) Storage (around 35%),” Nordmann said.
Glen Earrach Energy (GEE) Director, Roderick MacLeod, expressed gratitude for Murray's presence, describing it as invaluable. He pointed out the pioneering nature of the Nant de Drance project and its potential application to GEE's Loch Ness project, anticipating it to play a crucial role in the UK's energy future.
Pictured is Bernard Valluy, Alpiq, Richard Hearnden, Green Highland, Ian Murray MP, Roderick MacCleod, Glen Earrach Energy and Alex Reading, Green Highland and Chair of the British Hydropower Association
