Lochan Na H-Earba pumped hydro update

Posted on 1 July 2026

On the 26th June the UK Government released its delayed decision, via Ofgen, on long duration electricity storage with the headline news being the huge Lochan Na -Earba construction project is one of the schemes which has now been entered onto a shortlist of 16 for UK Government support.

Two other pump storage schemes namely Coire Glas and Loch Kemp above Loch Ness have also been given the green light.

Coincidentally Alistair Todd visited Earba last week with the Project Director, where he witnessed the geological investigative works which started last month.

During the visit it was confirmed that if the Ofgem announcement was favourable the plan still is for full construction to commence in 2028.

The following was observed:

1. A drilling team have been working on site now for 6 weeks with several test bores to 130m depth having been sunk.

2. So far no unexpected geological faults have been found.

3. To provide access for the drilling team a track has already been bulldozed up the northern flank of Creag Pitridh to a height of over 400m. The next stage will involve another access track being bulldozed up the west flank of Creag Pitridh to allow the drilling rigs to access the underlying geology of the summit area.

4. An area to the west end of the loch just off the access track has now been cleared with a currently small construction base of site offices, core samples, materials, vehicles etc.

5. The land-rover track from the A86 to the site is worn from all the heavy machinery movements so if anyone plans to cycle in be aware it’s lumpy in places.

6. The timetable for the construction of the related substantial SSE Coire Mashie substation is currently unknown.

As a reminder, if the scheme receives full financial backing it will result in the construction of the largest pump storage scheme in the UK with a size comparable to some of the massive hydro schemes built in the 1950’s/60’s.

The total cost is projected to exceed £2billion, construction will take 5 years and a workers camp housing approximately 500 people will be built just off the A86 on the approach track to the construction site.

During construction thousands of vehicle movements will take place using the A86 to bring in materials, equipment and workers.

Once constructed the upper loch will be held back by a dam wall over 60m high whilst the twin lochs of Loch An H- Earba will become one with 20m dams at both east and west ends. The loch will see a daily ‘tidal’ range of 8m as water is released into it before being pumped back up the hill into the upper expanded Loch a Bhealaich Leamhain.

To better represent resident interests across the affected areas the community councils of Laggan, Dalwhinnie, Newtonmore and Spean Bridge, Roy Bridge and Achnacarry have formed a dedicated group, known as the ‘Earba Alliance’.

As well as addressing community issues stemming from the development, the alliance will liaise with external stakeholders and act as a focal point for the community going forward.

If you would like further information or to visit the site with the developer please contact Alistair via the Community Council or via the alliance email address: earbacommunityalliance@gmail.com