SSE Renewables has submitted a Section 36 planning application to Scottish Government ministers to convert the iconic Sloy Power Station into a new pumped storage hydro scheme. The proposed scheme would provide a significant boost to the local economy and employment, while helping to bolster energy security and balance an increasingly renewables-led energy system.
The Existing Power Station
The existing Sloy Power Station on the banks of Loch Lomond has been operational since 1950. It is Britain’s largest conventional hydro power plant and generates around 130 million units (kWh) of electricity in a year of average rainfall. The current scheme makes use of the water of Loch Sloy, which is carried over 3km by a tunnel through Ben Vorlich before travelling down four high pressure steel pipelines to Sloy Power Station at Inveruglas Bay on Loch Lomond.
Conversion into a Pumped Storage Hydro Scheme
SSE Renewables is proposing to convert the existing hydro-electric scheme at Sloy into a pumped storage scheme by introducing new pumps located in the grounds of the existing asset, immediately north of the power station at Inveruglas on the shore of Loch Lomond. The new pumps would enable water to be lifted from Loch Lomond to Loch Sloy using the existing pipelines and tunnels during times of low demand (typically overnight) or times of oversupply (when there is too much renewable energy being generated).
Benefits of the Proposed Scheme
The proposed pumped storage hydro scheme would provide several benefits to the local area and the wider energy system. These include:
- Up to 16GWh of long-duration electricity storage capacity, which would help to balance an increasingly renewables-led energy system during periods when the wind doesn’t blow, and the sun doesn’t shine.
- Boost to local economy and employment: The proposed conversion could support up to 70 full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs, helping to boost the local economy and employment.
- Economic and employment boost to the local area: The scheme would provide an economic and employment boost to the local area, helping to stimulate economic growth and development.
Design, Development, and Construction Phases
The proposed conversion could support up to 70 full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs during the design, development, and construction phases. This would help to boost the local economy and employment, and would also help to support the local community.
A Dedicated Community Benefit Fund
In addition to the economic and employment benefits, a dedicated community benefit fund would be established as part of the proposed scheme. This fund would provide financial support to local community groups and initiatives, helping to promote economic growth and development in the local area.
The proposed pumped storage hydro scheme would have a pumping capacity of up to 100MW. The existing 32.5MW G4 turbine would be upgraded to match its sister units, increasing the station’s generating output by 7.5MW to 160MW. The scheme would also provide an additional 16GWh of long-duration electricity storage capacity, helping to balance an increasingly renewables-led energy system.
The Environmental Impact Assessment Report, available to read on SSE Renewables’ website, incorporates a robust assessment of the following environmental aspects: Aquatic Ecology; Terrestrial Ecology; Ornithology; Soils, Geology and the Water Environment; Landscape and Visual Amenity; Traffic and Transport; Noise and Vibration; Cultural Heritage; and Recreation.
“The proposed pumped storage hydro scheme will play an important role in the UK Government’s Clean Power by 2030 ambitions, providing firm, flexible renewable energy for up to 100 hours non-stop at the flick of a switch. The existing Sloy Power Station has been operational since 1950 and over the past seven decades has played a significant role in our energy system. The new proposals will ensure this remains an important asset for decades to come.”
Sloy Power Station is Britain’s largest conventional hydro power plant and has been in operation since 1950. It is currently generating around 130 million units (kWh) of electricity in a year of average rainfall.
SSE Renewables is proposing to convert the existing hydro-electric scheme at Sloy into a pumped storage scheme by introducing new pumps located in the grounds of the existing asset, immediately north of the power station at Inveruglas on the shore of Loch Lomond. The site has been considered for pumped storage as far back as the 1930s. This would enable energy to be stored at Loch Sloy until it is required during periods of higher demand, enabling the scheme to operate for longer periods of time which would minimise the likelihood of renewable energy from other sources being constrained off the grid during times of low demand. The £10m Hydro Community Fund
The proposed pumped storage hydro scheme is part of a package of investments in hydroelectricity, which includes the recently launched £10m Hydro Community Fund.
“…the proposed pumped storage hydro scheme will play an important role in the UK Government’s Clean Power by 2030 ambitions, providing firm, flexible renewable energy for up to 100 hours non-stop at the flick of a switch.”
— Robert Bryce, Director of Hydro – SSE Renewables
The proposed pumped storage hydro scheme would provide a significant boost to the local economy and employment, while helping to bolster energy security and balance an increasingly renewables-led energy system. The scheme would have a pumping capacity of up to 100MW, and would provide an additional 16GWh of long-duration electricity storage capacity, helping to balance an increasingly renewables-led energy system. The proposed conversion could support up to 70 full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs during the design, development, and construction phases, helping to boost the local economy and employment. A dedicated community benefit fund would be established, providing financial support to local community groups and initiatives, helping to promote economic growth and development in the local area.
