Wedoany.com Report-Nov 12, Statera Energy has announced details of the Ness Weir II project, aimed at safeguarding Loch Ness and the Caledonian Canal from the growing impacts of climate change and extreme weather. The project includes modifications to the existing weir, originally designed by Thomas Telford, to better manage water levels.
Key proposals involve raising the weir’s crest, adding a new fish pass, and installing a tilting weir sluice to enhance water level control. Statera asserts that these changes will support both the ecological and economic health of the region while also boosting energy security in the UK. By stabilizing Loch Ness water levels, the project will allow proposed pumped storage hydro initiatives, such as Statera’s 600MW Loch Kemp project, to operate efficiently year-round.
Loch Ness, the UK’s largest freshwater body by volume, is crucial to the Scottish Highlands’ landscape and economy. However, climate change has increased the frequency of extreme weather events, threatening water levels. The proposed changes, according to Statera, would not alter the maximum or minimum operational water levels or increase flood risk.
Statera Energy’s Development Director, Andrew Troup, emphasized the importance of the project: “We are bringing forward proposals to modify Ness Weir. These proposals will ensure there is greater water resilience in Loch Ness to improve the efficiency of existing and proposed pumped hydro schemes. It will also help to protect the future of one of Scotland’s most prominent attractions, its ecosystem and the heart of the local tourism economy in the Highlands as the world faces the challenges of climate change.”
Troup added that Statera has collaborated with multiple stakeholders and is committed to engaging with the public as the design develops. He noted that financing the project through improved hydro efficiency is crucial, given limited public funds.
Founded in 2016, Statera Energy specializes in renewable energy storage and has invested £700 million so far, with plans for up to £7 billion by 2030. The company has over 1GW of operational or under-construction projects and more than 16GW in development, contributing to the UK’s low-carbon energy transition.
