UK Approves Major Hydropower Projects to Boost Energy Storage

New funding schemes aim to enhance energy security and reduce reliance on fossil fuels by expanding pumped storage hydropower capacity.

The UK government has approved a funding scheme to support the development of new pumped storage hydropower projects across Britain.
These projects are designed to store excess renewable energy and release it during times of high demand, helping to stabilize the grid.
The 'cap and floor' funding model guarantees a minimum income for developers, encouraging investment in long-duration energy storage technologies.
Critics express concerns over environmental impacts, particularly in scenic areas like Loch Ness, where several projects are planned.
The initiative is part of a broader strategy to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, with a target of deploying 20 gigawatts of long-term energy storage.