SSE submit new hydro plans

Perth-based energy giant SSE has submitted an application for a 1500MW pumped hydro electric scheme in the Scottish Highlands.

SSE was previously granted planning permission in 2013 for a 600MW scheme at Coire Glas, located in the north-west of Loch Lochy in the Great Glen.

However, a fresh application has been submitted to the Government to “maximise the potential of the site”.

A statement from the firm said: “Despite the increase in generating capacity, there is little change to the current external elements of the scheme with the majority of changes being in the underground space required to house the larger turbines.

“Pumped storage schemes can be used as a way of delivering electricity storage for the GB energy system.

“The scheme involves using two bodies of water at different heights.

“During periods of low demand for power, electricity is used to pump water from the lower loch to the upper reser- voir. The water is then released to create energy at a time when demand is high.”

The benefits of pumped storage include helping to meet peak demand and extracting, storing and releasing energy to and from the electricity transmission system to balance supply and demand for power at a national scale.

Ben Tee is a coneshaped hill and a familiar sight in the central part of the Great Glen.