Arup and ILF sign Memorandum of Understanding to bolster pumped storage projects in the UK

This partnership brings much needed capacity and experience to the hydropower market in the UK and is considered vital to ensure that the sector has the resources to deliver this critical part of the UK’s net zero energy transition.

The Arup/ILF partnership pairs Scottish project delivery with world-leading hydropower experience.

Arup has a strong record in delivering major projects in Scotland, including the delivery of Queensferry Crossing, Scotland’s largest infrastructure project for a generation.

Lessons from funding, consenting, delivery and operational resilience of projects of this size and complexity in Scotland, will be brought to clients and contractors to ensure delivery.

ILF bring experience working on some of the most challenging hydropower schemes globally, including Linth- Limmern PHES, Switzerland, Atdorf PHES, Germany, Vianden Pumped Hydro Electric Storage Plant (PHES), Luxembourg; Niagara Hydropower Plant, Canada; Hatta PHES, in Dubai.

Their competence also includes know-how from operators for major pumped storage schemes of similar or larger size to Coire Glas. This hands-on practical expertise means that scheme development always considers the operator, for ease and resilience of operation and planning major maintenance tasks.

The Arup/ILF hydropower collaboration has a simple goal, to develop robust and fundable pumped storage schemes that are safe and sustainable to construct and operate.