First Hydropower Projects in 40 Years Get Green Light in Great Britain
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📰 The quick summary: Great Britain has approved its first new hydropower projects in over 40 years, part of a broader push to boost long-duration energy storage and reduce the country’s dependence on fossil fuel imports.
📈 One key stat: 16 long-duration electricity storage projects have received provisional approval, including three pumped storage hydropower sites in Scotland, marking the first such facilities to be built in Britain since 1984.
💬 One key quote: “Ofgem is creating the right infrastructure for renewable energy to thrive and improve our energy security and reduce reliance on global gas markets,” said Akshay Kaul, director general for infrastructure at Ofgem.
1️⃣ The big picture: Great Britain’s energy regulator, Ofgem, has provisionally approved 16 long-duration electricity storage projects across England, Scotland, and Wales, including three pumped storage hydropower stations in Northern Scotland. These hydro projects will be the first new facilities of their kind built in Great Britain since the Dinorwig plant in north Wales opened in 1984. Long-duration storage projects can store and release electricity for eight hours or more, making them essential for balancing supply and demand as renewable energy expands. Beyond hydropower, the approved list also covers technologies such as compressed air, lithium-ion batteries, and vanadium redox flow batteries. Together, these projects aim to cut Britain’s reliance on volatile fossil fuel markets and strengthen its energy security.
2️⃣ Why is this good news: Approving the first new hydropower projects in over 40 years signals a major step forward for clean, reliable energy in Great Britain, giving momentum to a sector that has long been underutilized. Long-duration energy storage is a critical piece of the clean energy puzzle, allowing countries to smooth out the natural variability of wind and solar power and keep the lights on during periods of low generation. Diversifying storage technologies across hydropower, batteries, and compressed air makes the grid more resilient and less vulnerable to any single point of failure. Reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels protects households from the kind of price shocks seen during recent geopolitical crises. Progress like this brings Britain meaningfully closer to a clean power system that can deliver secure, affordable energy for everyone.
3️⃣ What’s next: Ofgem’s approvals are currently provisional, meaning a consultation process still needs to be completed before projects receive full confirmation. Once finalized, developers will move into detailed planning and construction phases for sites across England, Scotland, and Wales. The three Scottish hydropower stations, including what could become the UK’s largest pumped storage hydro facility, will be among the most closely watched projects as they advance.
Read the full story here: The Guardian – First hydropower projects in Great Britain in 40 years given go-ahead
