Drax advances UK’s first new pumped storage hydro scheme in decades with Voith Hydro partnership

Drax, a leader in renewable energy, has taken a significant step towards enhancing the UK’s energy infrastructure by appointing Voith Hydro, a global technology and engineering firm, to advance its plans for the UK’s first new pumped storage hydro scheme in four decades. The proposed 600 MW underground facility will be located adjacent to Drax’s existing Cruachan facility near Oban, Scotland. This project represents a major boost to renewable energy capacity and energy security in the UK.

Current developments at the Cruachan site include exploratory ground works and seismic surveys to gather essential geological data. This data will inform the construction of the new plant within the challenging underground environment. Voith Hydro has been tasked with completing a Front-End Engineering and Design (FEED) study for the project, focusing on the mechanical and electrical components. The FEED study will produce detailed reports and models, defining project scope, design, cost estimates, and scheduling, thereby reducing uncertainties ahead of the detailed engineering, procurement, and construction phases.

While Drax’s proposal received development consent from the Scottish Government last year, the continuation and success of the project hinge on an updated policy and market support mechanism from the UK Government. The UK Government recently initiated a consultation to establish a new framework to encourage private investment in pumped storage hydro technology, which has not seen new developments since 1984 due to previous policy gaps.

Steve Marshall, Drax’s Development Manager, emphasized the project’s potential to enhance the UK’s energy security by enabling more homegrown renewable electricity, supporting hundreds of jobs, and providing a significant economic boost to the Scottish economy. Stefan Linhart, Project Manager at Voith Hydro, also highlighted the collaborative efforts to achieve a power plant that meets the highest standards of performance and safety.

In parallel with the new project, Drax is also upgrading its existing Cruachan plant with a £80 million investment. This upgrade will increase the generating capacity of two of the plant’s four units by a combined 40 MWs, raising the total generating capacity to 480 MWs. This upgrade underscores Drax’s commitment to enhancing its existing assets while expanding its renewable energy portfolio.

The collaboration between Drax and Voith Hydro on the Cruachan 2 project is a pivotal development in the UK’s energy sector. By leveraging Voith Hydro’s expertise in hydropower technology and Drax’s experience in energy management, this project not only supports the UK’s transition to renewable energy but also sets a precedent for future developments in the pumped storage hydro sector. If supported by favorable government policies, the project could mark a significant step towards achieving the UK’s decarbonization goals and strengthening energy security.

As the UK aims to expand its renewable energy capacity, the Cruachan 2 project serves as a critical component in the broader strategy to stabilize the national grid and reduce carbon emissions, positioning the UK as a leader in sustainable energy innovation.