A PLAN to create an energy park at the former Glenmuckloch open cast coal mine in Dumfries and Galloway took a significant step forward last week when the Scottish Government gave consent for a pumped storage hydro scheme of up to 400MW on the site.

Pumped storage hydro stores electricity in times of low demand and releases it on to the National Grid in peak demand periods, providing energy when required and also balancing local constraints on the electricity grid.

The proposed scheme, a joint venture between Buccleuch and 2020 Renewables, could become a catalyst for industrial regeneration in the region, but will require major financial investment from other partners to proceed. Meetings have already taken place with the UK Government – which sets energy policy – to discuss the need for a 'stable revenue mechanism' that will encourage investment.

2020 Renewables managing director Alan Baker said: “Pumped storage brings considerable benefits to the country’s energy system. Major pumped storage schemes already exist in Scotland – for example at Foyers and Cruachan – but no new projects have been built in over 30 years.

“The challenge is in finding the package of support measures which will unlock private investment in the project. We have been working with the UK and Scottish governments and others to find a way to make this work. A successful project will be a major driver of economic activity and growth across the region.”

Buccleuch chief executive officer John Glen said: “For five years we have been working closely with the local community and Hargreaves Surface Mining to restore and transform the site. Our vision is to create an energy park that will support local jobs and deliver major new investment in Dumfries and Galloway, and that has taken a step forward today.

“Renewable energy offers great opportunities for the area and the combination of pumped storage and on-site wind generation are a very natural fit. Viewed together as an integrated system, they would act as a catalyst for economic growth and could form a central plank of a collaborative regional industrial strategy that would generate new jobs and economic growth.”

The Glenmuckloch site already hosts two community-owned wind turbines, and Buccleuch subsidiary, Glenmuckloch Renewable Energy Limited, recently received planning permission from Dumfries and Galloway Council to build a further eight 3.2 MW turbines.

Local MP for Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale David Mundell – who is also the Scottish Secretary of State – said: "This is a very welcome announcement for the communities of Upper Nithsdale where I am always pushing for investment to help boost the local economy. Buccleuch and 2020’s plans for a major development will help sustain jobs in the region and I am very excited to see how the project progresses.

“I hope this scheme can bring significant long-term energy benefits to Upper Nithsdale and I will work to ensure the continuing discussions with the UK Government can help to secure the scheme’s long-term future.”