Wednesday, 12 April 2023

There are already many energy schemes in the area that are up and running, from windfarms to hydroelectric schemes. We are working on a map to show everyone where they are and what they are producing but we wanted to highlight a new pump storage scheme that is going to be applying for full planning in April this year.

The scheme is called 'Loch Kemp Storage' and is a hydro pump storage scheme planned for Loch Kemp on Dell estate in Whitebridge by Statera Energy. They are proposing to build and operate a new 600 MW Pumped Storage Hydro scheme using the existing Loch Kemp as the upper storage reservoir and Loch Ness as the lower reservoir. To achieve this, the plans are to make eight dams on Loch Kemp and raise the capacity of the water levels there by 28 meters. This will of course involve flooding a lot of land that is not currently underwater and in turn, creating a loss of a natural habitat for many species. The scheme itself will involve a new access road going through the Whitebridge plantation woods a few hundred yards west of the Killen turnoff - see the small purple circle on the map below. There is also a proposal for a camp in the woods for construction staff. The powerhouse on the shores of Loch Ness is planned to be above ground and to give some idea of the scale, we have been told it will be similar in size to the one at Foyers. There would also be the requirement for cabling to run from this proposed powerhouse to the substation in Foyers. We are awaiting confirmation, and this will be a separate planning application but may be a mixture of above ground and underground cabling.

The Community Council will share the planning application when it goes live and would encourage anyone with any questions or concerns to please get in touch with the Community Council and/or make your own representation to the planning department.

Sharon Ferguson

Admin, Stratherrick and Foyers Community Council

Community Council Website

2026

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