S.36 Notice of Decision & Decision Statement
Notice of Decision
Decision Statement
26th July 2023
In May 2022 Drax submitted an application to Scottish Ministers under Section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989, seeking permission for the construction and operation of an electricity generating station. The proposals are an expansion of the existing Cruachan Pumped Storage Hydro generation station and will be capable of operating independently. The image above shows the proposed ‘Cruachan 2’ station alongside the existing ‘Cruachan 1’ station.
On 21st July 2023 Scottish Ministers granted consent for the Cruachan Expansion Project. The decision from the Scottish Government allows Drax to progress their ground-breaking plans to build a new c.£500m underground pumped storage hydro plant.
On this page you can view the full details of the application under the following headings:
Alternatively, copies of the decision statement can be obtained on the Energy Consent website www.energyconsents.scot. Copies have also been provided to Argyll and Bute Council to be made available for public inspection on the planning register.
Watch Drax explain the principles of the project
Notice of Decision
Decision Statement
Further Environmental Information December 2022
Further Environmental Information Public Notice
Planning Statement
Statement of Consultation
Location Plan
Cruachan 2 Scheme Layout
Proposed Upper Intake Visualisation (Cruachan Reservoir)
Proposed Lower Works Visualisation (Loch Awe)
Annotated Proposed Lower Works Layout (Loch Awe)
Proposed Quayside & Spoil Storage
Proposed Upper Intake (Cruachan Reservoir)
Proposed A85 Diversion
3d View Cruachan 2
EIA Non Technical Summary
EIA Volume 1
EIA Volume 2 (Appendices) Contents
Figure 1.1 Site Location Plan
Figure 2.1 Environmental Constraints
Figure 3.1 Quayside and Lower Works
Figures 3.3 & 3.4 Schematics of Proposed Layout
Figure 3.5 A85 Diversion Works
Figure 6.1 Geology Map
Figure 6.2 Peat Depth Plan
Figure 7.1 Hydrology Receptors
Figure 10.1 Noise Receptors
Figure 12.1 Designated Heritage Assets
Figure 12.2 Non-Designated Heritage Assets
Figure 13.1 Tourism & Recreation Receptors
Appendix 1.2 Statement of Qualifications and Expertise
Appendix 3.1 Draft Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP)
Appendix 4.1 Schedule of Mitigation and Monitoring
Appendix 6.1 Phase 1 Ground Conditions
Appendix 6.2 Peat Management Plan (coming soon)
Appendix 7.1 Hydrology Technical Note on Water Level Fluctuations in Loch Awe
Appendix 7.2 Flood Risk Assessment
Appendix 8.1 Non-Avian Terrestrial Ecology Technical Appendix
Appendix 8.2 Avian Ecology Technical Appendix
Appendix 8.3 Freshwater Technical Appendix
Appendix 9.1 Transport Assessement
Appendices 10.1 - 10.5 Noise and Vibration
Appendix 11.1 LVIA Figures and Photomontages
Appendix 11.2 Visual Receptor Assessment
Appendix 12.1 Cultural Heritage Desk Based Assessment
Appendix 13.1 Socioeconomics, Tourism & Recreation Detailed Baseline
Appendix 13.2 Socioeconomics, Tourism & Recreation Policy Context
Appendix 15.1 Climate Change Policy Review