Great Britain will build its first new pumped storage hydropower projects in more than 40 years following a provisional green light from energy regulator Ofgem. The agency has approved 16 long-duration electricity storage (LDES) projects, including three major Scottish hydro stations, to bolster national energy security and reduce reliance on volatile global fossil fuel markets. According to the regulator, these facilities are essential for balancing the grid as the country transitions to intermittent renewable energy sources like wind and solar.
Why is the UK returning to pumped storage hydro?
The UK government is prioritizing long-duration energy storage to mitigate the risks associated with unpredictable renewable generation. Energy minister Michael Shanks stated that the country cannot remain at the mercy of volatile fossil fuel markets, noting that the move is designed to prevent families from being exposed to future price shocks. Unlike short-term battery storage, these new projects can store and release electricity for eight hours or more, providing a critical buffer during periods of low wind or solar output.
The last new facilities to be built were the Dinorwig hydropower plant in north Wales, known locally as electric mountain, in 1984.
Which specific projects have been approved?
Ofgem’s provisional list includes 16 projects across England, Scotland, and Wales. Among the most significant are three large-scale pumped hydro schemes in Northern Scotland:
- Coire Glas: An SSE project situated at Loch Lochy between Fort William and Inverness.
- Loch Kemp: A Statera Energy development designed to draw water from Loch Ness.
- Earba: A Gilkes Energy facility, which would be the UK’s largest pumped storage hydro facility.
The remaining 13 projects utilize diverse storage technologies, including compressed air, lithium-ion batteries, and vanadium redox flow batteries, according to official Ofgem disclosures.
How do these technologies impact energy security?
According to Akshay Kaul, the director general for infrastructure at Ofgem, the infrastructure is being designed to ensure the grid remains stable regardless of weather conditions. The ability to store energy during times of excess production and deploy it during “still or cloudy weather” is the primary mechanism for maintaining a secure supply. By diversifying the storage mix, the regulator aims to create a clean power system that is less dependent on imported gas.
If you are interested in the transition to net-zero, monitor the Ofgem official website for updates on the regulatory framework governing these LDES projects, as planning permissions and financing milestones will be the next critical phases.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is long-duration energy storage?
It refers to technologies capable of storing and discharging electricity for eight hours or more, helping to balance the grid when renewable output is low.
Why is hydropower preferred over other storage?
Pumped storage hydro offers massive capacity and longevity, acting like a giant “water battery” that can provide reliable power for many decades compared to traditional chemical batteries.
When will these projects be operational?
While Ofgem has provided a provisional green light, construction timelines vary by project. These developments represent the first new hydropower projects in more than 40 years.
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