Balliemeanoch Pumped Storage Hydro

[1] [2] [3] If built, the project will be the largest pumped-hydro scheme in Scotland, storing 45GWh of energy, equating to 30 hours of generation at the maximum capacity of 1.5GW.

[2] Like the nearby Cruachan Power Station, the project would use the 40km long Loch Awe as the lower reservoir.

In the hills to the East a small mountain lake, Lochan Airigh, lies in a wide valley at approximately 360m above Ordnance Datum (AOD), 9km northwest of Inveraray and 3km east of the village of Balliemeanoch.

The working volume, of up to 58 million m3,[3]: page 15  corresponds to a 1.5 metre change in the water level of the 38km2 [3] : 68  Loch Awe.

Surplus electricity from the national grid would be stored by pumping water from Loch Awe up to Lochan Airigh, to be used as required.

Topograhic map of site of Balliemeanoch pumped storage hydro project. Lochan Airigh is the most easterly body of water, located in a valley which would be dammed to create the upper reservoir
Lochan Airigh viewed from the North West, lying in a wide valley that would contain the upper reservoir