An independent assessment has concluded that SSE's proposed Coire Glas pumped storage hydro scheme in the Scottish Highlands could support almost 3,000 UK construction jobs at peak, stimulate close to £2 billion of spending with UK suppliers and add £1.5 billion in economic value to the UK, if taken forward.

The analysis by BiGGAR Economics covers the 1.44GW development, which it describes as among Britain's most advanced pumped storage hydro projects. It estimates the project would require around £3 billion of private investment, roughly equivalent to two Queensferry Crossings. Realising the projected benefits depends on securing an investable route to market through Ofgem's Long Duration Electricity Storage (LDES) framework.

BiGGAR Economics projects that, at peak, construction could support 2,880 UK jobs, with about £1.94 billion spent with UK businesses and £1.5 billion in UK economic value generated. In Scotland, the study indicates 1,180 peak construction roles, £1.35 billion in expenditure with Scottish firms and £656 million in economic value. Once operational, the scheme could support 60 long-term UK jobs annually over its decades-long life, contributing £7 million to UK economic value each year.

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Stephen Wheeler, Managing Director, SSE Renewables, said: "Coire Glas has the potential to be one of the most important infrastructure projects built in the UK in a generation, delivering major economic benefits while strengthening the country's energy security.

"This study demonstrates the scale of that opportunity, with the potential to generate £1.5 billion of economic value across the UK, support almost 3,000 construction jobs at peak and create significant opportunities for Scottish and British businesses throughout the supply chain.

"Unlocking that opportunity now depends on securing an investable outcome through Ofgem's Long Duration Electricity Storage framework. A number of detailed arrangements need to be resolved to secure an investable outcome so a project of this scale and complexity can progress. If that can be achieved, Coire Glas could deliver decades of benefits for workers, consumers, communities and the wider economy, during construction and throughout its operating life."

SSE has already committed more than £100 million to development work at Coire Glas, including extensive site investigations and a 1.2km exploratory tunnel to inform the final design, underscoring the project's maturity.

In June 2026, Ofgem placed Coire Glas on its 'Minded-to-Decision' list as one of 16 LDES projects eligible for potential cap and floor investment support. SSE continues to engage with the process, noting that a significant number of detailed points must be resolved before the project can move ahead. Any final investment decision will be made in line with SSE's capital discipline and return thresholds.