Renewables & Energy · Other generation / storage
Coire Glas pumped-storage hydro
Coire Glas is SSE’s proposed pumped-storage hydro scheme above Loch Lochy in the Highlands. SSE describes a 1.4 GW scheme with at least 45 GWh of electricity storage; its current design specifies maximum generation of 1,440 MW and maximum pumping power of 1,500 MW.[1]
Current position
Ofgem included Coire Glas in its minded-to-decision list for cap-and-floor support on 26 June 2026. SSE says detailed issues remain to be resolved and a final investment decision is still required. Potential delivery is in the 2030s. Site investigations have included a completed 1.2 km exploratory tunnel.
Benefits
- Water would be pumped from Loch Lochy into an upper reservoir holding up to 40 billion litres, then released to generate electricity when demand is high or renewable output is low. The proposed storage would support more than 30 hours of continuous generation at full output.