October 30 2012

Plans to erect the UK’s largest ever hydroelectric power station at Coire Glas, Lochaber, are set to go before Highland councillors today.

Scottish & Southern Energy’s £800m scheme would have capacity to generate 600MW of electricity but it has been criticised by Scottish Natural Heritage who claim it could negatively impact on tourism.

This would entail construction of a 92m tall dam and reservoir alongside an underground power station and associated network of tunnels in the hills of the Great Glen. At the foot of the mountain an administration building, jetty, tunnel portals and tailrace structure would be built on the shores of Loch Lochy.

Once complete the facility will utilise excess power generated by wind and wave farms to pump water up from Loch Lochy to the new reservoir, where it can then be released under force of gravity to generate power in times of need.

The local authority has already recommended that councilors approve the scheme, which could commence construction in 2014 for completion by 2020.

1 Comment

Post your comments

Your name (required)
Your email (not displayed)
Comments (required)
	All comments are pre-moderated and must obey our house rules.