Project updates
The latest updates for Loch na Cathrach Pumped Storage Hydro
Latest news
A team of cyclists from Statkraft has raised funds for Mikeysline by taking on the 66-mile Etape Loch Ness, supporting the Highland mental health charity that provides a vital lifeline to people in crisis.
The six-strong team included Iain Robertson, Head of Statkraft Scotland, who joined the ride to support a cause close to his heart. After meeting the team at
Mikeysline, he said:
“It was a privilege to meet the Mikeysline team and hear first-hand about the work they do. You can see how much they care, and how determined they are to support people in their most difficult moments.
“Mental health challenges affect so many of us - directly or through people we care about - and services like Mikeysline are absolutely vital. They provide a safe space and real support when it's needed most. I’m proud our team could play a small part in helping them in that work.”
Iain was joined by Scott Gilbert, Project Director for Statkraft’s Loch na Cathrach pumped hydro project, and John Young, Public Affairs Manager for Statkraft, to hand over the cheque on behalf of the group.
Scott, who lives locally with his wife and has fundraised for Mikeysline in the past, added:
“It’s impossible to live here and not know about the amazing work Mikeysline do day in, day out. Their staff and volunteers are incredibly committed and make a real difference to people’s lives across the region and in our schools.
Our team of Statkraft cyclists were proud to take on the Etape and raise funds for a charity that so many people in the Highlands turn to when they need help the most.”
Together, the team raised £2,718 which was match funded by Statkraft, doubling the donation to support Mikeysline’s vital work to £5436.
With several major renewable energy projects underway across the Highlands, including Loch na Cathrach, Statkraft is committed to supporting the communities it works in and upholding its good neighbour ethos.
Allana Stables, Bee the Change Manager from Mikeysline said:
“We’re incredibly grateful to the Statkraft team for their support. Fundraising like this helps us continue to be that vital lifeline across our local communities. Every single donation really does make a difference and the fact that people are willing to get involved, raise awareness, and show up for others really does means the world to our grassroots charity.”
We are installing a number of traffic counters on the B862 between Inverness and Dores, that will be in place for approximately one week from 10th June.
Some of the traffic data was collected several years ago before a planning application was submitted, so this will provide us with a valuable update to that information.
We were delighted to join a key panel on workforce development at the Highlands & Islands Green Energy Conference 2025, uniting industry, education, and policy voices to explore the region's crucial role in achieving Scotland's net zero ambitions and the workforce needed to realise these goals.
Loch na Cathrach Project Director Scott Gilbert joined the panel discussion which centred on the skills report commissioned by Statkraft earlier this year, produced in partnership with UHI.
The panel speakers explored how projects like Loch na Cathrach can act as catalysts to support long-term careers and local economic growth. The session also highlighted the importance of collaboration between industry, education providers and skills agencies to ensure the Highlands has the workforce in place to power the energy transition.
Speaking at the event, Scott Gilbert said:
“Earlier this year we commissioned the Mapping Workforce Skills report, which highlighted the urgent need for coordinated action on workforce development for both for the Loch na Cathrach project and for renewable projects across the region. We believe, by working in partnership with institutions like the University of the Highlands and Islands, and with industry, economic and skills development agencies, we can ensure the region has the talent and training in place to power the clean energy future.”
Loch na Cathrach was in the spotlight at All-Energy 2025, the UK’s largest renewable energy conference, where Project Director Scott Gilbert spoke on a dedicated hydropower panel.
The session explored the role pumped storage hydro projects like Loch na Cathrach play in creating a more resilient energy system.
During the panel, Scott highlighted the importance of powering a cleaner energy transition from the heart of the Highlands, while maintaining Statkraft’s ongoing commitment to being a good neighbour.
Statkraft will sponsor the Highlands & Islands Green Energy Conference 2025 in Inverness on May 22, gathering policymakers, industry leaders, and community voices to discuss renewable infrastructure, local supply chains, and workforce development for Scotland’s net zero goals.
Head of Statkraft Scotland, Iain Robertson said:
“Statkraft is proud to be an event sponsor, as part of our ongoing commitment to Scotland’s target of reaching net-zero emissions by 2045 - with the Highlands and Islands playing a leading role in the UK’s energy transition.
"From developments that include Loch na Cathrach, our pumped storage hydro project on the shores of Loch Ness, and Energy Isles Wind Farm in Shetland - Statkraft is making a difference to deliver renewable infrastructure that creates skilled jobs, supports communities, and drives long-term impact."
Statkraft has partnered with the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) to fund research on the workforce and skills required to build the Loch na Cathrach pumped storage hydro scheme.
The report highlights the challenges and opportunities that exist for Statkraft and the renewables industry as a whole, as an increasing number of projects in the Highlands enter construction over the next decade.
Read more on Education and Skills.
Over the past year, our team has focused on engaging with people and organisations to progress the consented pumped storage hydro project towards construction. We’d like to take this opportunity to update you on our activities and we look forward to continuing this important work in 2025.
Please find below our December newsletter.
Over the past few months, the project team have been undertaking essential surveys to progress the final design of the project and preparing construction drawings.
Investigative drilling works to understand the geology of the site have been taking place, and work is due to start on the final borehole later this week. This work is planned to be completed by mid November and we do not expect any impacts on local traffic as a result of the borehole work.
Below is our statement provided to media this week:
Statkraft have been unable to reach a commercial agreement with Inverness Caledonian Thistle. We intend to seek an alternative location for our park and ride scheme in Inverness, which will reduce traffic to the construction site, while also ensuring economic benefits remain in the local area. We do not anticipate any delays to the project.
We will provide further updates on this website as we progress with solutions for a Park and Ride provision for the project.
Thank you to those who attended our Drop-In Events in the Dores and Farr Village Halls in March. It was a valuable opportunity for the project team to meet with local residents and discuss the next steps for the project.
We also had some valuable discussions with the business community on the opportunities for local suppliers to get involved with the project.
View a copy of the information displayed at the Drop-In Sessions.
View our Summary Report of the events.
If you weren't able to attend but would like to ask a question or have a conversation with a member of the project team, please contact us.
We have installed a number of traffic counters on the Essich Road (C1064). We are required to update the traffic survey undertaken for the planning process and this will be aided by the baseline data captured by these counters. The counters will be in place for approximately two weeks.
We have been informed by Scottish & Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) that they are hosting an exhibition to discuss the proposed extension to the Knocknagael Substation, which will facilitate the connection of the Loch na Cathrach project to the grid network.
SSEN have previously held events in April and December 2022.
This is a standard process when connecting large electricity projects to the network, and is managed by SSEN, the company responsible for operating the regional network.
This process is separate to Statkraft and questions and comments about this connection should be directed to their project team. Our project team are in direct contact with the team at SSEN to discuss the connection arrangements.
The proposed method of connection is proposed via approximately 9km of underground cable.
Note that the postcard sent to local residents states the project is owned by Intelligent Land Investment Group, however this changed in December 2023 when Statkraft acquired the project.
View the invitation sent to residents.
More information on SSEN website: https://shorturl.at/rtJQ3
You are invited to our exhibitions for the Red John Pumped Storage Hydro Scheme. The project team will be present to discuss our future plans. Details below:
Tuesday, 12 March
Farr Community Hall, Inverarnie Park, Inverness IV2 6AX
14:00 – 17:00
Tuesday, 12 March
Dores Village Hall, Dores, Inverness IV2 6TR
19.30 – 21:00
In December 2023, we announced the acquisition of Red John Pumped Storage Hydro Scheme, which was consented in June 2021.
Around the time the acquisition was announced, we met with a focused group of stakeholders to introduce ourselves, answer questions and discuss high-level plans for this development. We are now hosting public events to discuss our plans with the local community.
For those unable to attend our in-person events, the information on display will be published on this website.
Read the full press release on this acquisition.
Statkraft, Europe’s largest renewable power generator, has agreed to acquire the Red John Pumped Storage Hydro Scheme, from Intelligent Land Investments Group (ILI).
The 450MW scheme, first conceived in 2015, was granted consent by Scottish Government Ministers in June 2021. The acquisition demonstrates Statkraft’s latest commitment to helping Scotland meet its renewable energy targets and strengthening UK energy security.
Located on a site around 14km south-west of Inverness, it will capture excess renewable energy, and store it until needed, helping provide security of supply as Great Britain’s electricity network shifts away from fossil fuels.