22. Unpacking the Potential of Pumped Hydro (2/2)

Michael Barnard welcomes back Mark Wilson, CEO of Intelligent Land Investments of Scotland for the second half of their discussion. They embark on a detailed discussion about the intricacies of pumped hydro facilities, including engineering, design considerations, and the role of pumped hydro in the evolving landscape of renewable energy.Mark Wilson sheds light on the design aspects of pumped hydro facilities, particularly focusing on the size and length of tunnels, and emphasizes a broad brush approach over detailed design specifications. He also touches upon their foray into battery projects, acknowledging a learning curve in this area. Michael Barnard raises the critical issue of risk management in large infrastructure projects, underlining the importance of meticulous planning and design.The conversation pivots to the technicalities of turbine selection for pumped hydro facilities. Mark explains their preference for fixed turbines over variable ones, citing cost-effectiveness and alignment with their project goals. This leads to an intriguing discussion on the recent growth of battery storage, an area that has surpassed Mark's initial expectations when they began focusing on pump storage projects. They explore Scotland's position in the battery market, considering its first-mover advantage and future prospects around 2030-2035.Delving into the broader scope of energy storage, Michael and Mark discuss the UK's potential as an exporter of 100% renewable energy to Europe, underscoring the significance of energy security. They categorize different types of grid storage and debate the feasibility and necessity of extensive seasonal storage. The conversation also covers the practical aspects of developing projects like Red John, encompassing land rights, planning permissions, and the importance of local partnerships and workforce arrangements.Mark reflects on his company's journey, emphasizing the importance of ethics, relationship-building, and resilience in the face of industry challenges. He candidly discusses the stress and pressures associated with developing pumped hydro projects and the regulatory and funding challenges they face.Comparing the UK and US contexts, Mark advocates for pump storage as a key solution for achieving net-zero emissions and urges companies to push for policy changes that support project development.