Developer ILI Group proposes 1.5GW/45GWh pumped hydro project in Scotland

By Alice Grundy
February 10, 2022
LinkedIn
Twitter
Reddit
Facebook
Email
Cruachan Dam, Scotland, site of an existing 440MW pumped hydro energy storage (PHES) facility. Image: Drax.

Clean energy developer ILI Group has begun the initial planning phase for a new pumped hydro energy storage (PHES) project in Scotland.

The Balliemeanoch project at Loch Awe, Dalmally in Argyll and Bute will be able to supply 1.5GW of power for up to 30 hours. It is the third and largest of ILI’s pumped storage hydro projects, with the other two being Red John at Loch Ness and Corrievarkie at Loch Ericht.

The Balliemeanoch project will create a new ‘head pond’ in the hills above Loch Awe capable of holding 58 million cubic metres of water when full.

Mark Wilson, CEO of ILI Group, said that long-duration energy storage, particularly storage over four hours, is “crucial” to reaching net zero, with announcements such as the new seabed leases for offshore wind making energy storage projects such as Balliemeanoch becoming “increasingly important”. 

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Try Premium for just $1

  • Full premium access for the first month at only $1
  • Converts to an annual rate after 30 days unless cancelled
  • Cancel anytime during the trial period

Premium Benefits

  • Expert industry analysis and interviews
  • Digital access to PV Tech Power journal
  • Exclusive event discounts

Or get the full Premium subscription right away

Or continue reading this article for free

To read the full version of this story visit Solar Power Portal.

Read Next

Premium
December 10, 2025
Last month was the first time since June that both pre-application submissions and full planning consent submissions for grid-scale UK BESS surpassed 1GWh – just before NESO announced the results of its grid connection queue reshuffle.
December 9, 2025
The UK’s National Energy System Operator (NESO) will offer grid connection offers up to 2035 to 283GW of projects following a reform of the process.
December 9, 2025
European energy independence is achievable if long-duration energy storage is factored into the mix, writes Oonagh O’Grady of Hydrostor.
Premium
December 9, 2025
A Western Australian government initiative to deploy the largest vanadium redox flow battery (VRFB) project outside China is a “pivotal moment,” one technology provider has said.
December 3, 2025
Stanwell bags rights to Quinbrook’s 6.24GWh Gladstone Energy Hub, combining 780MW battery energy storage with gas generation in Queensland.