Renewable Energy

Buccleuch reaches investment agreement for Glenmuckloch pumped storage hydro

Buccleuch has announced that it has reached a landmark deal for investment in the Glenmuckloch pumped storage hydro (“PSH”) and windfarm project in Dumfries and Galloway.

Foresight Energy Infrastructure Partners (“FEIP”), Foresight Group’s flagship energy transition fund, is to invest in Glenmuckloch and will lease the site with the aim of bringing the project to fruition.

The project, located at the disused opencast coal mine near Kirkconnel, Scotland, will see the construction of a colocated 1,600 MWh capacity PSH plant and a 33.6 MW wind farm. The investment will enhance and aid the balancing of the UK power system enabling the integration of more renewable generation.

Once constructed, the PSH plant will have a 1,600 MWh storage capacity which can be delivered at a rate of 210 MW per hour providing 8 hours of storage capacity. Utilising two 105 MW reversible hydroturbines, the site will store power during periods of excess energy supply and release stored energy at times of peak demand. The colocated wind farm will comprise of 8 x 4.2 MW turbines and will have the ability, via a direct connection, to power the PSH plant.

Solar success: a long-term energy solution for farmers

Installing solar PV technology is a ‘no-brainer’ for farmers thinking about investing in long-term energy security and could pay for itself within two to three years, SAC Consulting has revealed.

Senior Renewables Consultant, John Farquhar, has reported a surge in interest from farmers looking to take advantage of this ‘low-risk, high reward’ investment. He explained that traditionally, solar panels would return around 5p/kWh exported to the grid, but over the last three months, in response to rising electricity prices, he has seen this increase to over 15p/kWh.

He said: “Over the last three months our team has been receiving five to ten calls a week from farmers enquiring about solar PV installations. With the export tariff rate unlikely to drop for the foreseeable future, farmers could make their money back within two to three years, whereas before they 8