Foyers Hydro Electric power station was built in the 1960s. (Photo: John Allan, CC BY-SA 2.0 / geograph.org.uk)

SSEN Transmission has proposed an extension to the Foyers Power Station’s switching station on Loch Ness, marking a potential upgrade ...

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SSEN Transmission has proposed an extension to the Foyers Power Station’s switching station on Loch Ness, marking a potential upgrade to one of Scotland’s oldest hydroelectric power schemes.

Foyers Power Station, which began operations in 1974, is part of a rich history of hydroelectric power generation in the region dating back to the late 1800s. The area has been producing electricity since 1896, initially to power an aluminium smelter that ceased operations in 1971.

The plan involves enlarging the switching station that regulates electricity flow from the Foyers Power Station. SSEN Transmission has submitted a Proposal of Application (PoA) to Highland Council, seeking the necessary planning approval for this project.

Foyers operates as a pumped storage system, utilising water from Loch Mhor in the hills above Loch Ness to power two turbines during peak demand periods. During off-peak hours, surplus energy, primarily from wind farms, is used to pump water from Loch Ness back uphill to replenish Loch Mhor.

In 2013, a significant £8 million upgrade extended the operational lifespan of the Foyers hydroelectric scheme by several decades, demonstrating ongoing investment in this vital infrastructure.

Pumped storage hydro schemes like Foyers play a crucial role in balancing the grid and ensuring energy security as the UK transitions away from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources. These systems can store excess energy during periods of low demand and release it when needed, helping to stabilize the power supply.

Environmental Considerations

While the expansion of hydroelectric power is generally seen as positive for renewable energy goals, some concerns have been raised about the potential environmental impact of multiple hydro schemes on Loch Ness.

The Ness District Salmon Fishery Board has expressed worries about the effects on wild fish populations and the loch’s ecosystem.

Brian Shaw, director of the Ness District Salmon Fisheries Board (NDSFB), previously stated that the “iconic” Loch Ness should not be subjected to “an unregulated gold rush”, adding:

“Such dramatic, indeed astonishing, fluctuations in water levels will play havoc with the shoreline ecology, disrupt natural currents within the loch and potentially raise the temperature of Loch Ness.”

As the project moves forward, it will be essential to balance the need for clean energy with environmental protection and conservation efforts.

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