A new phase of ground investigation works has now started at the Earba Pumped Storage Hydro (PSH) project site.
These works form part of ongoing efforts to better understand the ground conditions across the site and will involve specialist equipment and survey teams operating in carefully selected locations.
What to expect and when
The current phase of works is expected to take place during spring & summer 2026, with activity typically occurring between 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday. During this time, site teams will be carrying out deep borehole drilling at key locations.
Initial work will focus on several deep boreholes (approximately 100 metres in depth) in the area of the proposed main powerhouse. These investigations build on similar work undertaken in 2024, which included trial pits, boreholes, peat probing and geophysical surveys.
Access and local arrangements
Access to work areas will be via the existing estate tracks linking the site to the A86(T) at the Moy Channel. Whilst every effort will be made to minimise disruption, there may be some temporary impacts, including increased vehicle movements and noise. Any necessary traffic management or access controls will be clearly signposted.
Members of the public are asked to follow all on-site signage and guidance from site staff to ensure everyone’s safety.
Why these works are important
The information gathered during this phase will help the project team develop a more detailed understanding of the ground, including soil types and underlying rock formations. This will feed into a refined 3D ground model of the site.
Improving this level of detail helps ensure that key infrastructure, such as dams and the powerhouse, can be accurately located and designed. In turn, this reduces the risk of changes later in the project and supports more efficient construction planning.
These investigations are an important step as the project progresses towards a Final Investment Decision, currently expected in 2027.
Project Background
The Earba Project is a proposed pumped storage hydro scheme with an installed capacity of 1,800MW and a stored energy capacity of 40,000 MWh. Once delivered, it would be the largest scheme of its kind ever consented in the UK.
For more background information on the project, please visit https://earbastorage.co.uk/the-project/
