camelot-forum.co.uk

By converting an existing hydro scheme into a pumped storage one

https://renews.biz/99820/sse-files-plan ... ro-scheme/

Fascinating, and true LDES at up to 160hrs.

I've got a passion for upgrading hydro to PHS, but never sure how viable it is. Typically it means building a catchment lagoon at the release point, and also having to maintain min/max river flows ..... but if I'm understanding this scheme correctly, none of that applies, as it discharges into a Loch.

So simply able to pump up, or discharge as much/little as they want, have I got that right(ish)?

Thanks, good news.

Has SSE finally committed to Coire Glas yet - it always seems to be next year.

Mart,
Presumably the original turbines could not pump and thats why they need to fit a new turbine ? Otherwise perhaps it is as simple as you imply.
Ken

Ken wrote: ↑Fri Apr 04, 2025 10:31 am Mart,
Presumably the original turbines could not pump and thats why they need to fit a new turbine ? Otherwise perhaps it is as simple as you imply.
Ken

Thanks, but oops, I meant to also say that turbines may need to be upgraded/replaced as necessary, but was just thinking about the large civils works that may not be needed.

I suppose this applies well to PHS projects that utilise sea water too, but (again assuming) those projects probably need to be built out fully, as they won't already exist?

I seem to recall that Norway and Sweden have huge potential for PHS, by 'simply' adding catchment lagoons (and upgrading turbines) to existing hydro facilities. But it may be simpler for them to expand wind and solar, and use the hydro as a form of large scale storage, by dialling down generation at times when other RE is doing well.

They've been doing some exploratory digging/tunnelling to properly assess the geology, but not sure what the latest is from that

Ken wrote: ↑Fri Apr 04, 2025 10:28 am Thanks, good news.

Has SSE finally committed to Coire Glas yet - it always seems to be next year.