The Coire Glas Hydropower Project in Scotland has become the first pumped storage hydropower project in the world to receive Gold certification under the Hydropower Sustainability Standard (HSS).
The project, located on Loch Lochy and led by SSE Renewables, received the recognition following a preparation stage assessment earlier this year. The assessment noted strong performance in areas such as labour and safety standards, governance, stakeholder engagement, and planning for environmental and social outcomes. This included considerations for water and sediment management, biodiversity, and cultural heritage.
If approved, it would be the largest long-duration energy storage facility in the UK, capable of storing approximately 30GWh of renewable energy. SSE expects the project could begin contributing to the UK’s energy system in the early 2030s, pending the development of a suitable government support scheme.
João Costa, Executive Director of the Hydropower Sustainability Alliance, said, “Pumped storage is essential to a resilient, renewable-powered grid, and Coire Glas is showing that large-scale projects can be designed with sustainability built in from the beginning. It’s exciting to see the Hydropower Sustainability Standard being used to shape one of the UK’s most ambitious energy projects.”
Mike Seaton, Coire Glas Project Director, said: “Attaining Gold certification is a testament to the diligence and dedication of the Coire Glas project team. It also reflects the positive contribution of the contractors who worked with us on the project to date.
“While there is still a way to go to ensure there is an investable policy mechanism to support it, Coire Glas has a crucial role to play in helping the UK and Scottish Governments meet their net zero targets. We are delighted to demonstrate that developments of this type can be developed with a focus on sustainability.”
Andrew Jacobs, SSE Hydro Sustainability Partner, added: “Working towards our certification with the Hydropower Sustainability Alliance has been a rewarding and challenging experience. Achieving Gold certification has enabled our development team to highlight how our world-class Coire Glas project can harness renewable energy sources in a way that can bring our sustainability commitment to life.
“We are grateful to the external stakeholders who supported us throughout the certification consultation process, and we look forward to building on these positive relationships as we progress the Coire Glas project.”
More details about the assessment are available on the Coire Glas Hydropower Project profile.
