SSE Renewables’ Coire Glas pumped storage hydropower project has become the first scheme of its kind to achieve the Hydropower Sustainability Standard.
The Highlands renewable energy project, supported by Stantec, achieved a ‘Gold Standard’ rating, having completed an auditing programme from the Hydropower Sustainability Alliance.
The Hydropower Sustainability Certification System is described as a globally recognised labelling and certification scheme that outlines stringent expectations for hydropower projects. The standard promotes socially responsible, environmentally sustainable, and economically viable hydropower development.
Coire Glas is the first large-scale pumped storage hydropower scheme to be developed in the UK in over 40 years. Stantec has worked with SSE Renewables on the project for more than a decade, supporting the project in owner’s engineer and designer roles with a range of planning and environmental, design, and engineering services to enable its construction.
Once built, it is expected to be able to have a potential capacity of up to 1,500 megawatts and over 30 gigawatts of energy storage, which will more than double the country’s pumped hydro storage capability.
Craig Scott, director of hydropower and dams at Stantec, said, “By passing this rigorous assessment process, SSE has set an incredibly high benchmark of global excellence for sustainable pumped storage hydropower. It is fantastic to see Coire Glas, a transformative and nationally significant scheme, already being commended for its aspirations in environmental responsibility.”
Mike Seaton, Coire Glas project director, added, “Attaining Gold certification is a testament to the diligence and dedication of the Coire Glas project team. It also reflects the positive contribution of the contractors who worked with us on the project to date.
“While there is still a way to go to ensure there is an investable policy mechanism to support it, Coire Glas has a crucial role to play in helping the UK and Scottish Governments meet their net zero targets. We are delighted to demonstrate that developments of this type can be developed with a focus on sustainability.”
Stantec supported a one-kilometre-long geological and geotechnical investigation adit for Coire Glas, which was recently named Ground Investigation Project of the Year at the 2024 Ground Engineering Awards for the second year running.
