Scottish Ministers Approve Hydro Power Station

Dumfries & Galloway pumped storage facility will be equipped with 400 MW capacity.

Scottish Ministers have granted approval for the construction and operation of a pumped storage hydro (PSH) electricity generation station that will employ around 327 workers in its construction phase and create up to 15 permanent jobs.

The site of the Glenmuckloch pumped storage hydro (PSH) electricity generation station in Dumfries and Galloway is currently operated as a surface coal mine.

Renewable energy sources generated more than 56% of gross electricity consumption in Scotland in 2015

Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Jobs and Fair Work Keith Brown said:

“Renewable energy sources generated more than 56% of gross electricity consumption in Scotland in 2015, helping support our world-leading ambitions to become a low-carbon economy.

“The Scottish Government believes there is a huge opportunity around pumped storage hydro. This tried and tested technology can support peak demand and effectively store greater levels of electricity at times when renewable energy output is high but demand is low.”

“With an installed capacity of up to 400 MW, and supporting 327 temporary and up to 15 permanent jobs, the Glenmuckloch station will help support the local economy in Dumfries and Galloway and support the growth of renewables in Scotland’s energy mix.”