A planning application for the 1.8GW Fearna Pumped Storage Hydro (PSH) project has been submitted to the Energy Consents Unit of the Scottish Government.
The project, a joint venture between SSE Renewables and Gilkes Energy, aims to provide 36,000 MWh of energy storage, making it one of the largest schemes of its kind in the UK. It is located at the western end of Glengarry, approximately 25 km west of Invergarry, and utilizes existing hydro infrastructure to enhance efficiency and economic viability.
As part of the application process, the developers engaged with statutory consultees, including NatureScot and SEPA, and incorporated feedback from public consultation events. The application also includes a biodiversity enhancement plan for the Glengarry area.
Fraser Allison, Project Director for the Fearna PSH project, commented: “We are delighted to have submitted the Planning Application for the Fearna Pumped Storage Hydro project.
“This ambitious project, with 1800MW of installed capacity and 36,000MWh of stored energy, is considered of national significance due to its scale. To put it into perspective, compared to a typical lithium-ion battery storage project (50MW with 2 hours of storage, equivalent to 100MWh), the Fearna project offers the equivalent of 360 such battery projects while maintaining a much smaller ecological footprint. The lifespan of the Fearna project would be in excess of 100 years, compared to a far shorter period for typical lithium-ion battery sites, making this a truly sustainable project.”
The construction phase is expected to last approximately seven years, supporting an average of 500 jobs, including engineers, project managers, and site operatives. The project is also expected to bring economic benefits to the Highlands, both during and after construction, by creating long-term employment opportunities.
In late 2024, the UK Government confirmed a Cap and Floor investment framework for long-duration electricity storage, including pumped storage hydro. The Fearna project is seen as a strong candidate for funding under this framework when applications open in 2025.
Further details and planning documents are available on the project’s website.
