Statera Energy has submitted a planning application aiming to create a pumped storage hydro scheme on the south side of Loch Ness.
Pumped storage essentially turns electrical energy into stored or potential energy by using energy initially to pump water from a lower to a higher reservoir. The 'energy' is then stored at a higher level until needed, which is when the water will be allowed to flow back down and through a turbine which generates electricity or, rather, releases the stored energy.
The proposal involves a 600MW pumped storage scheme that will use Loch Kemp as an upper storage reservoir and Loch Ness as the lower reservoir. As a result, a pipeline 1km long will have to be installed between the Lochs and four turbines placed in the rock beside Loch Ness. The turbines will be placed within a powerhouse.
In order to control the water levels and achieve this aim, eight dams have also been proposed at the higher Loch Kemp which should allow the water levels to be changed by 28 metres. The developers also want to build a visitors centre at Loch Ness.
Statera Energy suggests that the development has the potential to supply enough clean and renewable energy for 156,000 homes and will therefore help to lower carbon emissions and help Scotland meet its Net Zero targets. It would also be the third pumped storage scheme at Loch Ness. Back in 2021, Aecom was given permission together with ILI Group to install a 450MW pumped hydro storage project at Loch Ness at the cost of £550m.
