Glen Earrach Energy – meaning Valley of Spring in Gaelic – is a project that brings together bold ambition, deep environmental awareness and a strong sense of place.

‍Located near Loch Ness on the Balmacaan Estate, the company is developing one of the UK’s most significant new energy infrastructure projects: a 2 GW, 34 GWh pumped storage hydropower scheme that will deliver critical grid flexibility and resilience. The project is undertaking an assessment against the Hydropower Sustainability Standard to benchmark its environmental and social efforts.  

By harnessing the natural landscape of the Scottish Highlands, Glen Earrach Energy (GEE) is setting a new benchmark in water efficiency and system benefits. Designed to store and release vast amounts of renewable energy, the project will generate more electricity using less water than all other pumped storage schemes on Loch Ness combined. As one of the UK’s largest and most water-efficient PSH projects, GEE will play a central role in meeting national clean energy objectives, bolstering energy security, and helping to reduce costs for consumers.

“Unlocking the full potential of wind and solar power requires large-scale energy storage solutions that can balance the grid and ensure we have reliable power when it’s needed most,” said Roderick MacLeod, Director of Glen Earrach Energy. “Scotland has long led the way in renewable energy development, and through pumped storage hydro schemes like Glen Earrach Energy, we can continue that leadership while delivering greater domestic energy security. As both landowner and developer, we are committed to ensuring our project delivers the greatest possible benefits to the system, the environment and the local community.”

That community focus is a defining feature of the project. Since April 2024, the GEE team has been engaging with local residents to shape every stage of development – from early design changes to the formation of a long-term Community Benefit Approach. In March 2025, GEE launched a consultation to co-design a Community Benefit Fund that could be worth over £20 million per year, ensuring that its structure and governance are led by and aligned with local priorities.

“We value the input of the local community,” added MacLeod, “and are building a model that ensures long-lasting, meaningful benefits for the Highlands for generations to come. Large hydropower projects like ours are crucial to reaching a clean energy future.”

In support of its environmental goals and commitment to sustainable development, Glen Earrach Energy has joined the International Hydropower Association (IHA), aligning with a global network of experts and innovators working to advance sustainability hydropower, particularly through alignment with the Hydropower Sustainability Standard.

“We are delighted to welcome Glen Earrach Energy to the IHA membership,” said Eddie Rich, CEO of IHA. “I am heartened by their commitment to implementing the Hydropower Sustainability Standard to demonstrate their environmental stewardship, system flexibility and community empowerment. The Standard is a hallmark of modern pumped storage hydropower. Projects like this are vital to achieving net zero – they help define what responsible, inclusive energy development should look like.”