Plan could represent hydro power ‘renaissance’

PLANS TO expand a hydro power station in Argyll could be part of a “renaissance” for the sector, Scotland’s First Minister has said.

Alex Salmond was speaking as Scottish Power announced it is to look at doubling the amount of electricity produced at its Ben Cruachan pump storage station.

The station, near Oban, can produce up to 440 megawatts ( MW) of electricity — but if the plant, which was opened in 1965, was expanded it could generate 1,040 MW.

Mr Salmond, who yesterday visited the Cortes La Muela hydro power station in Valencia, said hydro power could provide up to a third of Scotland’s generating capacity over the next 10 years.

“Combined with other planned developments around Scotland, this major announcement heralds a renaissance in hydro and pump storage energy, and opens another chapter in our outstanding history of harnessing renewables,” he said.

Energy Minister Fergus Ewing gave the nod to SSE’s 600MW Coire Glas pumped storage scheme in December but the Perth power firm warned the plan, at Loch Lochy in the Great Glen, would likely remain on the drawing board until it could nail down long-term certainty on investment returns.

Pumped storage hydro electric does not qualify for government subsidy through either the renewable obligations certificate or successor contracts for difference schemes.

The Ben Cruachan pump storage station.