SSE Renewables plans to develop a new pumped storage hydropower project at Loch Fearna in Scotland’s Great Glen, through a 50:50 joint venture with a consortium led by Gilkes Energy. The project will be situated at the western end of Glengarry, about 25 km west of Invergarry. The site will be adjacent to SSE Renewables’ Loch Quoich reservoir within the Great Glen hydro scheme. According to the joint venture terms, Gilkes Energy will lead the project’s development under a development services agreement with SSE Renewables.
Furthermore, the planned development is expected to have a generating capacity of up to 1.8 GW and approximately 37 GWh of stored energy capacity. The project has already secured a grid connection offer for a total of 1,795 MW. The Fearna Pumped Storage Hydro project plans to link the Loch Quoich reservoir with a new upper reservoir at Loch Fearna and could become one of the UK’s largest pumped storage hydro projects if approved by Scottish Government ministers.
In May 2024, SSE Renewables purchased a fully approved 100 MW/200 MWh battery storage project near Dungannon, County Tyrone, Northern Ireland, from Heron Energy. Pending a final investment decision by SSE Renewables, the project, ready for construction, will be built on an undeveloped area situated outside Coalisland, roughly five miles away from Dungannon.
