New Scotland Secretary says the “new government will invest in long term energy storage”
Glen Earrach Energy bolsters expertise with appointment of international hydropower consultant
GEE Director meets with Scotland Secretary Ian Murray at industry event
London, England: Monday 22 July 2024 – Glen Earrach Energy (GEE), developer of the UK’s most efficient pumped storage hydro (PSH) project, today announced the appointment of international hydropower expert Martin Lacey to its project delivery team. The announcement comes as GEE Director Roderick MacLeod met with newly appointed Scotland Secretary Ian Murray at a key industry event.
International Hydropower expert joins GEE
Martin Lacey, Managing Director of WestGlen Consult, brings a wealth of international Large Hydro and PSH experience to GEE. His expertise in project execution and management, including successful projects in Georgia and China, will be instrumental in driving forward the development of GEE’s flagship PSH project in Scotland.
Martin will take on responsibility for the fast-track development of the Glen Earrach PSH scheme including management of the ongoing design and ground investigation works, and the soon to start procurement process.
GEE Director, Roderick MacLeod, said: “We are delighted to be working with Martin. His deep knowledge of the global PSH landscape will be invaluable as we work to deliver this critical project for Scotland and the UK. With Martin on board, we are confident in maximising the project’s positive impact on the local community and the wider economy.”
Martin brings international PSH knowledge to the project team, which includes Alpiq. The Swiss utility boasts a strong track record in PSH, exemplified by the 900MW Nant de Drance project – visited by former Shadow Scotland Secretary Ian Murray in January 2024 (here).
Scotland secretary delivers keynote speech at Pumped Storage Hydro event
The Secretary of State for Scotland, Ian Murray MP, said: “Hydropower has a vital role to play in meeting our very ambitious targets and guaranteeing Scotland and the UK's energy security in the years and decades to come. The new government will invest in long term energy storage to ensure there's sufficient zero emission backup power and storage to guarantee that security of supply.”
Newly appointed Scotland Secretary Ian Murray MP delivered a keynote speech at the British Hydropower Association’s PSH event on Thursday 18 July 2024, outlining the UK Government’s commitment to clean energy and the vital role of PSH in achieving net zero targets. Murray emphasised Scotland’s potential as a global leader in long-duration energy storage and highlighted GEE’s project and its potential to deliver enough clean energy to power more than a million fully decarbonised homes.
Murray’s speech follows his visit to a Swiss PSH facility with GEE earlier this year, during which he gained firsthand experience of the technology’s potential (here). GEE Director Roderick MacLeod met with the Secretary of State at today’s event to discuss the company’s project and its contribution to Scotland’s energy future.
GEE Director, Roderick MacLeod, said “The Secretary of State’s reaffirmation of the 2030 target for cheap, clean power generation, and his acknowledgment of pumped storage hydro’s pivotal role in Scotland’s green energy leadership, is extremely encouraging. His recognition of the need for a robust policy framework to unlock PSH’s potential in the UK is essential. We look forward to working closely with the UK government to develop a cap and floor mechanism that optimises grid benefits, consumer value, the environment, and community impact."
For more information contact
Jonathan Millman.
Email: glenearrach@inhouse.london
Mobile: +44 7572 187 790
Notes to editors
Photos: You can find photos of the Secretary of State at the BHA event in London and of Martin Lacey here.
About Glen Earrach Energy: Glen Earrach Energy was founded by Balmac Forest Limited and is working with a consortium of advisors and experts, including AECOM, Alpiq, and LCP Delta, to deliver the UK’s most efficient Pumped Storage Hydro (PSH) facility on the Balmacaan Estate, near Loch Ness. This critical project will play a vital role in achieving net zero, improving energy security, and lowering energy costs for everyone. It will also move less water and generate more storage and more energy than all other PSH projects on Loch Ness combined. This is because GEE utilises water more efficiently than any existing or proposed PSH project in Loch Ness or the entire UK.