SSE Renewables and Gilkes Energy have submitted a Section 36 planning consent application to the Scottish Government for their proposed 1.8GW Fearna pumped storage hydro (PSH) project in the Highlands.

The joint venture, located at the western end of Glengarry, approximately 25km west of Invergarry, would be the UK's largest such scheme if approved, with a stored capacity of up to 36GWh, providing 20 hours of storage.

The 50:50 development joint venture project adjoins SSE Renewables’ existing Loch Quoich reservoir in the Great Glen hydro scheme. Subject to securing planning consent and a final investment decision, including an investible route-to-market, the Fearna PSH project proposes the construction of tunnels and a new power station connecting the existing Loch Quoich reservoir with a newly developed upper reservoir at Loch Fearna.

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The project is expected to create approximately 500 jobs at peak during its estimated seven-year construction period, providing a significant boost to the local economy. The development is intended to contribute to Britain's future energy mix by providing large-scale, long-duration electricity storage (LDES).

Under the terms of the joint venture agreement, announced in July 2024, Gilkes Energy will lead the project’s development under a developer services agreement with SSE Renewables. SSE Renewables, which already operates the largest fleet of hydro-electric power and pumped storage hydro assets in Scotland, aims to expand its portfolio with new pumped storage hydropower projects in the Highlands.

Fraser Allison, Project Director of the Fearna PSH project, said: "We are pleased to have submitted a Section 36 planning consent application to Scottish Ministers for Fearna. This exciting long duration electricity storage project could be the largest in the UK for both installed capacity and stored energy. We are looking forward to continued engagement with stakeholders, supply chain partners and the local community as the planning process moves forward."