Statkraft’s Loch na Cathrach wins at Scottish Green Energy Awards

Statkraft, Europe’s largest generator of renewable energy, has been awarded ‘Best Engagement’ at the Scottish Green Energy Awards, for the Loch na Cathrach Pumped Storage Hydro project.

Loch na Cathrach will capture excess energy, and store it until needed, helping provide security of supply as Great Britain’s electricity network shifts away from fossil fuels, particularly expensive imported gas. Members of the project team have been undertaking work on site during 2024, to better understand the geology of the land, and help inform construction plans and to optimise the project design.

Statkraft has a good neighbour ethos, and within weeks of acquiring the project, were meeting face to face with community representatives, and organising exhibitions to meeting local stakeholders.

Some of the initiatives taken by Statkraft include helping to fund a Community Action Plan locally, commissioned a Skills Report with the University of the Highlands and Islands, which will highlight the employment opportunities for local businesses to work with the Loch na Cathrach project, and there are plans for further engagement that includes delivering community benefit funds.

Pending a final investment decision, the project is expected to support hundreds of jobs during the five-year construction period, and provide locally based, permanent roles once operational, which is anticipated to happen by the end of the decade.