ILI Group has submitted a Section 36 planning application to the Scottish Government for the 1.5GW Balliemeanoch pumped storage project at Loch Awe. This initiative aims to enhance the UK’s renewable energy infrastructure, potentially powering 4.5 million homes and reducing carbon emissions by 200 million tonnes over its lifetime.
The Balliemeanoch pumped storage project has a capacity of 1.5GW of power for up to 30 hours, producing 45,000 MWh. It will be located at Loch Awe in Dalmally, Argyll & Bute, Scotland, and will include a new headpond capable of holding 58 million cubic meters of water. The environmental impact is significant, with a projected reduction of over 200 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent over its lifetime. Economically, the project is expected to bring £1.5-2 billion in construction investment, create up to 1000 construction jobs at its peak, and generate many more indirect jobs across Scotland and the UK. The construction is projected to take five years, with the project expected to connect to the grid by 2031.
Mark Wilson, CEO of ILI Group, commented, “The submission of the planning application for Balliemeanoch pumped storage marks another pivotal step in our commitment to enhancing the UK’s renewable energy capabilities. This comes on the heels of our recent sale to Statkraft for the Loch na Cathrach project (formerly known as Red John), which further validates the critical role of pumped storage hydro in our energy future. Long-duration energy storage projects like Balliemeanoch and Loch na Cathrach are essential for maintaining grid stability as we increase our reliance on renewable energy sources.
“The recent UK Government’s consultation on long-duration energy storage underscores the need for a robust policy framework to support these projects. The proposed cap and floor investment framework will be crucial in overcoming investment barriers, ensuring that Scotland can deploy significant storage capacity to meet our net zero targets.
“This project not only addresses climate change but also promises significant economic benefits. It will increase the country’s energy security and has the potential to reduce household energy bills.”
Infrastructure consulting firm AECOM will serve as technical consultant to ILI Group for the Balliemeanoch pumped storage hydropower project.
