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Hydro & pumped storage Β· July 2026 official register

Project examples below now use the official register. Search every recorded project and view individual pages β†’

Planning snapshot, not a live site meter. Capacities can refer to separate applications or development phases. Annual examples use MW Γ— 8.76 Γ— assumed load factor: 42% offshore wind, 28% onshore wind and 11% solar. These are illustrative scenarios, not measured output.
UK Hydro & Pumped Storage

Britain's Oldest & Newest Clean Energy

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Hydroelectric power has been generating clean electricity in the UK for over a century. Pumped storage is now the critical long-duration storage solution for a net-zero grid β€” and new projects are progressing through planning and construction.

155
Active project records Β· July 2026
101
Operating records Β· July 2026
12
Construction records Β· July 2026
30
Consented records Β· July 2026
12
Planning records Β· July 2026

Pumped Storage Hydro (PSH)

PSH acts as a giant rechargeable battery β€” pumping water uphill when electricity is cheap, generating when it's expensive. The UK's existing four stations have served the grid for decades. A new wave of gigawatt-scale projects is now in planning.

Glen Earrach Pumped Storage Hydro
In planning

Balmacaan Estate Loch Ness, Highland, IV63 6TX

2,000 MW Β· Official registered capacity

Glen Earrach Pumped Storage Hydro is a 2,000 MW pumped storage hydro project in Scotland. The applicant or operator on record is Glen Earrach Energy Limited. The scheme is currently in the planning system, submitted March 2025. The determining authority is Scottish Government (S36), reference ECU00005121.

Developer: Glen Earrach Energy Limited

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Moy Lodge, Tulloch - Earba Pumped Storage Hydro
Consented

4200M SE/O Moy Lodge, Tulloch, Roy Bridge, Inverness, Highland, PH31 4AR

1,800 MW Β· Official registered capacity

Moy Lodge, Tulloch - Earba Pumped Storage Hydro is a 1,800 MW pumped storage hydro project in Scotland. The applicant or operator on record is Gilkes Energy Ltd. Planning permission has been granted as of March 2025 and it is awaiting construction. The determining authority is Scottish Government (S36), reference ECU00005062.

Developer: Gilkes Energy Ltd

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Fearna Pumped Storage Hydro Scheme - Hydro Project
In planning

4930m NW/O Kingie Lodge, Highland, PH35 4HS

1,800 MW Β· Official registered capacity

Fearna Pumped Storage Hydro Scheme - Hydro Project is a 1,800 MW pumped storage hydro project in Scotland. The applicant or operator on record is Fearna PSH Limited (SSE Renewables). The scheme is currently in the planning system, submitted March 2025. The determining authority is Scottish Government (S36), reference ECU00005061.

Developer: Fearna PSH Limited (SSE Renewables)

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Dinorwig
Operating

Snowdonia, Conwy, LL55 4TY

1,728 MW Β· Official registered capacity

Dinorwig is a 1,728 MW pumped storage hydro project in Wales. The applicant or operator on record is First Hydro Company. It is recorded as operational since January 1983. The determining authority is Gwynedd.

Developer: First Hydro Company

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Coire Glas
Consented

Land At Coire Glas, Laggan, Newtonmore,, Highland, PH34 4EA

1,500 MW Β· Official registered capacity

Coire Glas is a 1,500 MW pumped storage hydro project in Scotland. The applicant or operator on record is SSE Renewables. Planning permission has been granted as of October 2020 and it is awaiting construction. The determining authority is Scottish Government (S36), reference ECU00000577.

Developer: SSE Renewables

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Balliemeanoch Pumped Hydro Project
In planning

Loch Awe, Dalmally, Argyll and Bute, PA33

1,500 MW Β· Official registered capacity

Balliemeanoch Pumped Hydro Project is a 1,500 MW pumped storage hydro project in Scotland. The applicant or operator on record is Intelligent Land Investments Group. The scheme is currently in the planning system, submitted July 2024. The determining authority is Scottish Government (S36), reference ECU00003444.

Developer: Intelligent Land Investments Group

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Cruachan Hydro Expansion
Consented

E/O Cruachan, 1 Power Station On The Northern Banks Of Lochawe, Taynuilt, Strathclyde, PA35

600 MW Β· Official registered capacity

Cruachan Hydro Expansion is a 600 MW pumped storage hydro project in Scotland. The applicant or operator on record is Drax Power Limited / Stantec UK. Planning permission has been granted as of July 2023 and it is awaiting construction. The determining authority is Scottish Government (S36), reference ECU00004492.

Developer: Drax Power Limited / Stantec UK

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Loch Ness & Loch Kemp - Pumped Hydro Scheme
In planning

Whitebridge, Inverness, Highland, IV2 6AL

600 MW Β· Official registered capacity

Loch Ness & Loch Kemp - Pumped Hydro Scheme is a 600 MW pumped storage hydro project in Scotland. The applicant or operator on record is Statera Energy. The scheme is currently in the planning system, submitted November 2023. The determining authority is Scottish Government (S36), reference ECU00003398.

Developer: Statera Energy

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Red John Pumped Storage
Consented

Land 120M NE of South Barn, Dores, Inverness, Highlands, Highland, IV2 6TU

450 MW Β· Official registered capacity

Red John Pumped Storage is a 450 MW pumped storage hydro project in Scotland. The applicant or operator on record is Statkraft. Planning permission has been granted as of June 2021 and it is awaiting construction. The determining authority is Scottish Government (S36), reference ECU00000728.

Developer: Statkraft

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Cruachan
Operating

Argyll and Bute, Argyll and Bute, PA33 1AN

440 MW Β· Official registered capacity

Cruachan is a 440 MW pumped storage hydro project in Scotland. The applicant or operator on record is Drax (formerly Scottish Power). It is recorded as operational since January 1966. The determining authority is Argyll and Bute.

Developer: Drax (formerly Scottish Power)

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Glenmuckloch Pumped Storage Hydro
Consented

Glenmucklock, Kirckconnel, Dumfries and Galloway, DG4 6LS

400 MW Β· Official registered capacity

Glenmuckloch Pumped Storage Hydro is a 400 MW pumped storage hydro project in Scotland. The applicant or operator on record is Buccleuch Estates. Planning permission has been granted as of November 2016 and it is awaiting construction. The determining authority is Scottish Government (S36), reference EC00005236.

Developer: Buccleuch Estates

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Ffestiniog
Operating

Ffestiniog, Gwynedd, Snowdonia, Conwy, LL41 3TP

360 MW Β· Official registered capacity

Ffestiniog is a 360 MW pumped storage hydro project in Wales. The applicant or operator on record is First Hydro Company. It is recorded as operational since January 1961. The determining authority is Gwynedd.

Developer: First Hydro Company

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Foyers
Operating

Highland, Highland, IV2 6YE

300 MW Β· Official registered capacity

Foyers is a 300 MW pumped storage hydro project in Scotland. The applicant or operator on record is SSE Renewables. It is recorded as operational since January 1974. The determining authority is Highland.

Developer: SSE Renewables

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Sloy Hydroelectric Power Station - Pumped Hydro Conversion
In planning

Lochview House, Shore Road, Garelochhead, Helensburgh, Argyll and Bute, G84 0AS

100 MW Β· Official registered capacity

Sloy Hydroelectric Power Station - Pumped Hydro Conversion is a 100 MW pumped storage hydro project in Scotland. The applicant or operator on record is Scottish & Southern Energy Renewables. The scheme is currently in the planning system, submitted January 2025. The determining authority is Scottish Government (S36), reference ECU00006088.

Developer: Scottish & Southern Energy Renewables

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Glyn Rhonwy (larger version)
Consented

Llanberis, Caernarfon, Gwynedd, Gwynedd, LL55 4EL

99.9 MW Β· Official registered capacity

Glyn Rhonwy (larger version) is a 99.9 MW pumped storage hydro project in Wales. The applicant or operator on record is Snowdonia Pumped Hydro (Quarry Battery Company). Planning permission has been granted as of March 2017 and it is awaiting construction. The determining authority is The Planning Inspectorate - National Infrastructure, reference EN010072.

Developer: Snowdonia Pumped Hydro (Quarry Battery Company)

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Cruachan Upgrade Project (Unis 3 & 4)
Consented

E/O Cruachan, Taynuilt, Strathclyde, PA35

40 MW Β· Official registered capacity

Cruachan Upgrade Project (Unis 3 & 4) is a 40 MW pumped storage hydro project in Scotland. The applicant or operator on record is Drax Power Limited. Planning permission has been granted as of December 2023 and it is awaiting construction. The determining authority is Scottish Government (S36), reference ECU00004537.

Developer: Drax Power Limited

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Treforest Weir, Cardiff Road - Hydroelectric Energy
In planning

B4595, Cardiff Road A4054, Broadway And Glyntaff Interchange, Treforest, Pontypridd, Mid Glamorgan, CF37 1SY

0.3 MW Β· Official registered capacity

Treforest Weir, Cardiff Road - Hydroelectric Energy is a 0.3 MW pumped storage hydro project in Wales. The applicant or operator on record is Rhondda Cynon Taff County Borough Council. The scheme is currently in the planning system, submitted January 2025. The determining authority is Rhondda Cynon Taf, reference 25/0002/GREG.

Developer: Rhondda Cynon Taff County Borough Council

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Conventional Hydroelectric Power

Scotland's glens and highlands host most of the UK's conventional hydro capacity β€” much of it built by the North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board from the 1940s–1960s.

Glendoe Hydro Scheme
Operating

Western Monadhliath Mountains, East of Fort Augustus,, Highland

100 MW Β· Official registered capacity

Glendoe Hydro Scheme is a 100 MW conventional hydro project in Scotland. The applicant or operator on record is Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE). It is recorded as operational since December 2008. The determining authority is Scottish Government (S36), reference IN2003459.

Developer: Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE)

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Lochaber
Operating

Fort William, Highland

65 MW Β· Official registered capacity

Lochaber is a 65 MW conventional hydro project in Scotland. The applicant or operator on record is GFG Alliance. It is recorded as operational since January 1929. The determining authority is Scottish Government (S36).

Developer: GFG Alliance

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Tummel Bridge Power Station - Hydro Plant
Operating

Tummel Power Station, 3 Riverside, Tummel Bridge, Pitlochry, Perth and Kinross, PH16 5SB

40 MW Β· Official registered capacity

Tummel Bridge Power Station - Hydro Plant is a 40 MW conventional hydro project in Scotland. The applicant or operator on record is Scottish & Southern Energy Scottish Hydro Electric. It is recorded as operational since May 2024. The determining authority is Perth and Kinross.

Developer: Scottish & Southern Energy Scottish Hydro Electric

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Great Glen Scheme
Operating

Loch Dundreggan, Highland

36 MW Β· Official registered capacity

Great Glen Scheme is a 36 MW conventional hydro project in Scotland. The applicant or operator on record is Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE). It is recorded as operational since January 1957. The determining authority is Highland.

Developer: Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE)

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Dolgarrog
Operating

Dolgarrog, Conwy, Conwy, LL32 8QE

32 MW Β· Official registered capacity

Dolgarrog is a 32 MW conventional hydro project in Wales. The applicant or operator on record is RWE. It is recorded as operational since January 1938. The determining authority is Conwy.

Developer: RWE

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Aigas
Operating

Aigas, Highland

20 MW Β· Official registered capacity

Aigas is a 20 MW conventional hydro project in Scotland. The applicant or operator on record is Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE). It is recorded as operational since January 1962. The determining authority is Highland.

Developer: Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE)

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Kilmorack
Operating

Kilmorack, Highland

20 MW Β· Official registered capacity

Kilmorack is a 20 MW conventional hydro project in Scotland. The applicant or operator on record is Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE). It is recorded as operational since January 1962. The determining authority is Highland.

Developer: Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE)

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Ceannacroc
Operating

Ceannocroc, Highland

20 MW Β· Official registered capacity

Ceannacroc is a 20 MW conventional hydro project in Scotland. The applicant or operator on record is Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE). It is recorded as operational since January 1956. The determining authority is Highland.

Developer: Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE)

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Invergarry
Operating

Invergarry, Highland

20 MW Β· Official registered capacity

Invergarry is a 20 MW conventional hydro project in Scotland. The applicant or operator on record is Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE). It is recorded as operational since January 1956. The determining authority is Highland.

Developer: Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE)

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Kinlochleven Hydro Power Station
Operating

Kinlochleven, Highland

19.5 MW Β· Official registered capacity

Kinlochleven Hydro Power Station is a 19.5 MW conventional hydro project in Scotland. The applicant or operator on record is Hydro Plan (on behalf of Alcan). It is recorded as operational since January 1909. The determining authority is Highland.

Developer: Hydro Plan (on behalf of Alcan)

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Orrin
Operating

Highland, Highland

18 MW Β· Official registered capacity

Orrin is a 18 MW conventional hydro project in Scotland. The applicant or operator on record is Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE). It is recorded as operational since January 1959. The determining authority is Highland.

Developer: Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE)

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Pitlochry
Operating

Pitlochry, Tayside

15 MW Β· Official registered capacity

Pitlochry is a 15 MW conventional hydro project in Scotland. The applicant or operator on record is Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE). It is recorded as operational since January 1950. The determining authority is Perth and Kinross.

Developer: Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE)

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Tor Achilty
Operating

Highland, Highland

15 MW Β· Official registered capacity

Tor Achilty is a 15 MW conventional hydro project in Scotland. The applicant or operator on record is Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE). It is recorded as operational since April 1954. The determining authority is Highland.

Developer: Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE)

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Livishie
Operating

Livishie, Highland

15 MW Β· Official registered capacity

Livishie is a 15 MW conventional hydro project in Scotland. The applicant or operator on record is Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE). It is recorded as operational since January 1962. The determining authority is Highland.

Developer: Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE)

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Cashlie
Operating

Cashlie, Tayside

11 MW Β· Official registered capacity

Cashlie is a 11 MW conventional hydro project in Scotland. The applicant or operator on record is Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE). It is recorded as operational since September 2004. The determining authority is Perth and Kinross.

Developer: Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE)

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Cassley
Operating

Invercassley, Highland

10 MW Β· Official registered capacity

Cassley is a 10 MW conventional hydro project in Scotland. The applicant or operator on record is Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE). It is recorded as operational since January 1959. The determining authority is Highland.

Developer: Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE)

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Court Farm Business Park, Road To Court Farm - Hydroelectric System
Operating

Court Farm Business Park, Road To Court Farm, Buckland, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 7BT

10 MW Β· Official registered capacity

Court Farm Business Park, Road To Court Farm - Hydroelectric System is a 10 MW conventional hydro project in South West. The applicant or operator on record is Court Farm Business Park. It is recorded as operational since April 2013. The determining authority is Dorset, reference P/FUL/2024/06192.

Developer: Court Farm Business Park

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Cwm Dyli
Operating

Nant Gwynant, Beddgelert, Gwynedd, LL55 4NW

9.9 MW Β· Official registered capacity

Cwm Dyli is a 9.9 MW conventional hydro project in Wales. The applicant or operator on record is RWE. It is recorded as operational since January 1906. The determining authority is Gwynedd.

Developer: RWE

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Striven
Operating

Loch Striven, Strathclyde

8 MW Β· Official registered capacity

Striven is a 8 MW conventional hydro project in Scotland. The applicant or operator on record is Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE). It is recorded as operational since January 1951. The determining authority is Argyll and Bute.

Developer: Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE)

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Fasnakyle Hydro Extension
Operating

Fasnakyle Power Station Cannich Inverness-shire, Highland

7.5 MW Β· Official registered capacity

Fasnakyle Hydro Extension is a 7.5 MW conventional hydro project in Scotland. The applicant or operator on record is Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE). It is recorded as operational since August 2006. The determining authority is Highland, reference IN2003917.

Developer: Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE)

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Gaur
Operating

Gaur, Tayside

6.4 MW Β· Official registered capacity

Gaur is a 6.4 MW conventional hydro project in Scotland. The applicant or operator on record is Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE). It is recorded as operational since January 1953. The determining authority is Perth and Kinross.

Developer: Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE)

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Kielder
Operating

Kielder Water, Hexham, Northumberland, NE48 1NQ

6.1 MW Β· Official registered capacity

Kielder is a 6.1 MW conventional hydro project in North East. The applicant or operator on record is RWE. It is recorded as operational since June 1982. The determining authority is Northumberland.

Developer: RWE

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Loch Gair
Operating

Loch Gair, Strathclyde

6 MW Β· Official registered capacity

Loch Gair is a 6 MW conventional hydro project in Scotland. The applicant or operator on record is Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE). It is recorded as operational since January 1961. The determining authority is Argyll and Bute.

Developer: Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE)

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Foyers Falls
Operating

Foyers Falls, Highland

5.2 MW Β· Official registered capacity

Foyers Falls is a 5.2 MW conventional hydro project in Scotland. The applicant or operator on record is Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE). It is recorded as operational since January 1968. The determining authority is Highland.

Developer: Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE)

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Sron Mor
Operating

Sron Mor, Highland

5 MW Β· Official registered capacity

Sron Mor is a 5 MW conventional hydro project in Scotland. The applicant or operator on record is Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE). It is recorded as operational since January 1957. The determining authority is Highland.

Developer: Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE)

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Llyn Celyn
Operating

Celyn Reservoir near Bala, Gwynedd, LL23 7NU

4.5 MW Β· Official registered capacity

Llyn Celyn is a 4.5 MW conventional hydro project in Wales. The applicant or operator on record is Dwr Cymru Welsh Water. It is recorded as operational since January 1994. The determining authority is Gwynedd.

Developer: Dwr Cymru Welsh Water

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Llyn Brianne Dam
Operating

Llyn Brianne Hydro Electric Power Station Land adjacent to existing Regulator House Llyn Brianne Dam Dyfed, Dyfed

4.4 MW Β· Official registered capacity

Llyn Brianne Dam is a 4.4 MW conventional hydro project in Wales. The applicant or operator on record is Dwr Cymru Welsh Water. It is recorded as operational since February 1997. The determining authority is Ceredigion.

Developer: Dwr Cymru Welsh Water

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Inverfarigaig
Operating

Inverfarigaig, near Foyers, Highland

4 MW Β· Official registered capacity

Inverfarigaig is a 4 MW conventional hydro project in Scotland. The applicant or operator on record is Green Power. It is recorded as operational since January 1980. The determining authority is Highland.

Developer: Green Power

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Dalchonzie
Operating

Dalchonzie, Tayside

4 MW Β· Official registered capacity

Dalchonzie is a 4 MW conventional hydro project in Scotland. The applicant or operator on record is Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE). It is recorded as operational since January 1958. The determining authority is Perth and Kinross.

Developer: Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE)

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Lubreoch
Operating

Lubreoch, Tayside

4 MW Β· Official registered capacity

Lubreoch is a 4 MW conventional hydro project in Scotland. The applicant or operator on record is Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE). It is recorded as operational since January 1958. The determining authority is Perth and Kinross.

Developer: Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE)

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Community & Small-Scale Hydro

Hundreds of small run-of-river schemes provide clean power to local communities and farms across Scotland, Wales and Northern England. Many are community-owned and provide local economic benefit.

Run-of-River Schemes

Take water from a river, pass it through a turbine and return it β€” no reservoir needed. Minimal environmental footprint but output varies with rainfall. Most UK small hydro uses this approach.

  • Typical size: 10 kW–5 MW
  • Scotland: 650+ small hydro schemes
  • Planning via LPA or Scottish Ministers
  • FiT (now SEG): Export tariffs for small schemes
  • Community benefit funds often attached

Community Ownership Models

  • Community Energy Scotland β€” support and finance
  • Nesta β€” community energy fund
  • Share issues via Abundance or Ethex
  • Loans from CARES (Local Energy Scotland)
  • Co-operative and mutual structures common
  • Allt Dearg (Argyll): 500 kW community hydro example

Planning & Permitting (Small Hydro)

  • Water abstraction licence (SEPA / EA / NRW)
  • Planning consent from LPA (or Scottish Ministers if >50 MW)
  • Riparian rights β€” must own or lease riverbank
  • Environmental Impact Assessment if >1 MW
  • Fish passage β€” laders or bypass channels required
  • Habitat Regulations Assessment if near SAC/SSSI

Key Support Bodies

Hydro Technology

Pumped Storage Hydro (PSH)

Long-duration grid-scale storage
  • β†’Two reservoirs at different elevations
  • β†’Francis reversible pump-turbines most common
  • β†’Round-trip efficiency: 75–82%
  • β†’Provides inertia β€” critical for grid stability
  • β†’Can respond in seconds
  • β†’Variable speed technology improves flexibility
  • β†’Lifespan: 50–100+ years

Conventional Run-of-River

Constant baseload generation
  • β†’Kaplan turbines for low-head sites
  • β†’Francis turbines for mid-to-high head
  • β†’Pelton wheels for very high head (>200m)
  • β†’Output depends on river flow / rainfall
  • β†’Minimum compensation flow required
  • β†’Capacity factor: 25–45%
  • β†’Very long asset life with minimal maintenance

Why PSH Is Critical for Net Zero

As the grid moves to 70–80% renewables, the challenge is no longer generating clean electricity β€” it's storing it. Pumped storage is an established option for large-scale, long-duration storage. Proposed projects must secure consent, finance and a grid connection before their capacity is available.

Cap-and-Floor Mechanism

PSH lacks a CfD equivalent. The UK government's Cap-and-Floor mechanism β€” consulted on by DESNZ β€” would provide a revenue floor to attract investment decisions. Coire Glas is the test case for whether this unlocks the pipeline.

Explore More Clean Energy

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