Loch Kemp Storage
| Loch Kemp Storage | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Loch Kemp, the proposed site of the upper reservoir | |
  Loch Kemp Storage Location within Scotland | |
| Country | Scotland |
| Location | Loch Kemp |
| Coordinates | 57°12′47″N 4°32′13″W / 57.213°N 4.537°W |
| Status | Proposed |
| Owner | Statera Energy |
| Power Station | |
| Hydraulic head | 160 m (520 ft) |
| Installed capacity | 600 MW |
| Website lochkempstorage | |
| Upper reservoir: Loch Kemp Lower body of water: Loch Ness | |
Loch Kemp Storage is a proposed 600 MW, 22.3 hour duration pumped-storage hydroelectricity (PSH) energy storage scheme in the Scottish Highlands. It would use Loch Ness as the lower reservoir, and Loch Kemp in the hills to the southeast as the upper reservoir.[1][2][3][4]
If built, it would be the first pumped hydro project in the UK since the Dinorwig Power Station in North Wales began operation in 1984.[1]
In June 2026 the electricity regulator announced that it was "minded" to award Loch Kemp Storage a "Cap and Floor" arrangement for the electricity generated by the project.[2] This means the project is expected to move ahead.[1] Construction is expected by the early 2030s.[1]
Geography
Loch Ness lies along the Great Glen of Scotland. It is the largest body of fresh water by volume in Scotland, containing over 7 million cubic metres of fresh water. The elevation varies with the seasons and weather, ranging from 15.25 m above ordnance datum (AOD) (the lowest recorded level) to 16.47 m AOD (top of the normal range). The maximum level recorded at Foyers was 17.71 m AOD in March 2015.[5]
Loch Kemp is a small loch in the hills to the southeast of Loch Ness, between Loch Ness and Whitebridge. It is approximately 700 m long and 400 m wide, lying at an altitude of 177 m AOD. [6]: map on p41 [7]
Proposals
It is proposed to create an upper reservoir approximately 1500 m long by 1500 m wide,[6] by building four new saddle dams and four minor cut-off dams to raise the level of Loch Kemp by 28 m.[7]
A 600 MW shaft-type power plant would be built beside Loch Ness, with a water intake below the loch's level with tunnels and surge shafts connecting to Loch Kemp.[6]
A 275 kV underground cable would connect the power station to the National Grid at Foyers substation, with a switching station close to Dell Farm.[8]
Ofgem assessment
In June 2026, Ofgem assessed the project as the highest ranking of all the 70-plus Long Duration Energy Storage (LDES) projects submitted in the first window of its competition to qualify for Cap and Floor support.[2]
In its assessment of the scheme, Ofgem concluded that:[2]
"Loch Kemp Storage ranked 1st in the Economic Assessment, with a score of 180.12. The project was above the Financial Assessment threshold, and no material concerns were identified in the Strategic Assessment (Scenario Analysis score of -2; Green deliverability rating). Taking these factors together, we are minded-to award this project cap and floor support."
Opposition to scheme
There has been opposition to the scheme, due to the potential cumulative environmental impact on Loch Ness. It has been the third scheme proposed to use Loch Ness as the lower reservoir, in addition to the existing Foyers Pumped Storage scheme and the planned Loch na Cathrach (formerly Red John) to the northeast of Loch Kemp. Combined, the three schemes could alter the level of Loch Ness by 0.73 metres (2 ft 5 in).[9] The Atlantic Salmon Trust claims this could adversely impact endangered wild Atlantic salmon and the developers have not fully assessed the potential risks.[10]
Subsequently, Glen Earrach Energy have submitted proposals for a larger scheme on the opposite shore, increasing the maximum potential change in level of Loch Ness to 1.2 m (3 ft 11 in).[11]
See also
References
- 1 2 3 4 Mark Sweney; Jillian Ambrose (26 June 2026). "First hydropower projects in Great Britain in 40 years given go-ahead". The Guardian. Retrieved 26 June 2026.
- 1 2 3 4 "Consultation Window 1: Minded-to decisions – Long Duration Electricity Storage". OfGEM. 26 June 2026. Retrieved 26 June 2026.
- ↑ "Loch Kemp Storage". Project website. Strata Energy. Retrieved 26 June 2026.
- ↑ "Councillors oppose hydro project on Loch Ness". BBC News - Highlands and Islands. BBC News. 20 June 2025. Retrieved 26 June 2026.
- ↑ "Loch Ness at Foyers". SEPA: Water Levels. Scottish Environmental Protection Agency. Retrieved 28 June 2026.
- 1 2 3 "LOCH KEMP STORAGE - EIA Report Non Technical Summary" (PDF). Project website. Statera. November 2023. Retrieved 28 June 2026.
- 1 2 "Case: ECU00003398". Energy consents unit portal. Scottish Government. Retrieved 28 June 2026.
- ↑ "Loch Kemp Hydro Scheme Connection". SSEN: Projects. SSEN. Retrieved 28 June 2026.
- ↑ "Loch Ness hydro power 'gold rush' branded a disaster". BBC News. 4 January 2024. Retrieved 27 June 2026.
- ↑ "Loch Ness hydro scheme planning fails to assess impact on fish populations, according to trust". The Scotsman. Archived from the original on 23 February 2024. Retrieved 27 June 2026.
- ↑ Carrell, Severin (12 March 2025). "Balance of power: Loch Ness hydro storage schemes fuel local anxiety". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 27 June 2026.