Ground Investigation Works at the Coire Glas Pumped Hydro Storage Scheme
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Synopsis
Coire Glas is the first large scale pumped storage hydro scheme to be developed in the UK in over 40 years and is located in the Great Glen of Scotland. The scheme has a potential
generating capacity of up to 1,300MW and it would more than double Great Britain’s current electricity storage capacity.
SSE Renewables is developing the scheme and has recently completed a truly unique Ground Investigation to gather data for detailed design and ground risk management. The GI included the construction of a 1.2km long approximately 5m diameter drill and blast tunnel, an inclined borehole 650m deep from an exposed ridge, sub-horizontal boreholes almost 300m long carried out from underground drilling galleries, and a range of in-situ tests that are seldom carried out in the UK.
This presentation will provide an overview of the Coire Glas scheme highlighting why such a complex and unusual GI was required. An overview of the GI that has been completed will be presented, highlighting some of the findings and learnings. An update on the scheme development will be given along with the next steps for the project.
Biography
Jessica T Smith BSc (Hons) MSc DIC CGeol FGS
Jessica is a Senior Engineering Geologist at SSE Renewables where she has responsibility as Technical Authority for Engineering Geology. Jessica has been working on Coire Glas since early 2021 and has had oversight of all ground investigation activities in addition to the development of the Main Works.
