A BID has been submitted to the Scottish Government for a new pumped strorage hydro at an opencast site near Kirkconnel.

Glenmuckloch opencast has had a proposal submitted to create the Glenmuckloch Pumped Storage Hydro (PSH) Ltd, a joint venture between Buccleuch and 2020 Renewables.

The scheme, which would be capable of generating and storing up to 400MW of electricity, would provide rapidly available energy for the National Grid in times of peak demand.

The proposed PSH scheme would be sited at Glenmuckloch, which is still being mined but is also undergoing an extensive restoration process.

As an initial step, Glenmuckloch Pumped Storage Hydro Ltd has submitted an application to Scottish Ministers for consent.

John Glen, chief executive of Buccleuch, said: “Glenmuckloch is undergoing a remarkable transformation following a hugely uncertain future just three and a half years ago. The successful restoration of the mine is well underway but due consideration must be given to the future life of the site beyond that.

“We are at a very early stage in this process and the section 36 application is one step in that overall process. It would be premature to say the scheme will definitely happen, but if it comes to fruition it would result in one of only six such schemes in the UK. To make it successful, it would require substantial investment and commitment from a range of stakeholders.”

Alan Baker, managing director, 2020 Renewables, said: “One of the legacies of the Glenmuckloch mine is an 18 million cubic metre hole in the ground which means the site naturally lends itself to consideration of a PSH scheme. Should such a scheme proceed, it would be a major construction project over five or six years, employing approximately 300 people with a further 10-15 operational staff required thereafter.”

The partnership that has worked on the Glenmuckloch restoration comprises Dumfries and Galloway Council, the Scottish Mines Restoration Trust, Hargreaves Services, 2020 Renewables, The Scottish Government and Buccleuch.