Latest news with #GEE
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Loch Ness hydro project to go before councillors
Plans for one of three large hydro power schemes that would draw water from Loch Ness to generate electricity are to go before Highland councillors next week. Loch Kemp Storage Ltd has proposed building a power station and tunnels near Whitebridge, about 10 miles (16km) north of Fort Augustus. The Scottish government, which has a say on whether it eventually goes ahead or not, has consulted Highland Council on the project. The local authority's officials have recommended that the south planning applications committee does not raise any objections to the plans. More stories from the Highlands and Islands News from the Highlands and Islands on BBC Sounds Loch Kemp is one of three different pumped storage hydro schemes proposed for near Loch Ness. The others are Statkraft's Loch na Cathrach, in the hills above Dores, and Glen Earrach Energy (GEE), near Drumnadrochit. They would also draw water from Loch Ness to help generate electricity for thousands of homes. Pumped storage hydro involves two bodies of water at different heights. The water flows from one to the other through tunnels, passing through a power station to generate electricity. When there is low demand for electricity from consumers and/or when surplus power is available from wind farms, electricity is used to pump water from the lower level to fill a reservoir further up the hill. The water can then be released from the upper reservoir, flowing down the tunnels to drive turbines which generate hydro-electricity. This happens at times of high demand, or when there is not enough wind to power wind farms. Loch Kemp Storage Ltd, which is owned by Statera Energy, has proposed damming Loch Kemp, the upper reservoir of its scheme, to raise water levels. It also plans to construct an underground waterway systems and tunnels, and powerhouse on the shores of Loch Ness. GEE has been holding community events this week as part of its work towards trying to secure consent for the 2GW project on Balmacaan Estate. The developer has made a commitment to deliver a community wealth fund of more than £20m a year throughout the lifetime of the scheme. A spokesperson said GEE was developing one of the UK's "largest and most water efficient" pumped storage hydro schemes. Loch na Cathrach, formerly known as Red John, was granted consent by the Scottish government in June 2021. The project was taken over by Statkraft in December 2023 and is in a pre-construction phase. The UK has four existing pumped storage projects - Cruachan and Foyers in Scotland, and Dinorwig and Ffestiniog in Wales. However, a large-scale pumped storage scheme has not been built in the UK for more than 30 years. Foyers Power Station on Loch Ness opened in 1974, though hydro electricity has been generated in the area since the late 19th Century. Operator SSEN Transmission has proposed an extension to the switching station, which manages the flow of electricity from the site. A proposal of application notice was submitted to Highland Council in February. The operator of Cruachan - an underground power station dubbed "Hollow Mountain" - has put on hold its plans for a major expansion of the site. Renewables developer Drax had proposed building a new hydro-electric facility next to its existing complex inside Ben Cruachan, near Dalmally in Argyll. But it said the costs of the project had risen and it would not be bidding for UK government support at this time. The company said the expansion could potentially go-ahead in the future, "subject to an appropriate balance of risk and return". Major hydro power plant expansion put on hold Plan to extend part of Loch Ness hydro power site Loch Ness hydro power 'gold rush' branded a disaster The massive green power projects stuck in limbo Loch Kemp Storage GEE Loch na Cathrach
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Loch Ness hydro project to go before councillors
Plans for one of three large hydro power schemes that would draw water from Loch Ness to generate electricity are to go before Highland councillors next week. Loch Kemp Storage Ltd has proposed building a power station and tunnels near Whitebridge, about 10 miles (16km) north of Fort Augustus. The Scottish government, which has a say on whether it eventually goes ahead or not, has consulted Highland Council on the project. The local authority's officials have recommended that the south planning applications committee does not raise any objections to the plans. More stories from the Highlands and Islands News from the Highlands and Islands on BBC Sounds Loch Kemp is one of three different pumped storage hydro schemes proposed for near Loch Ness. The others are Statkraft's Loch na Cathrach, in the hills above Dores, and Glen Earrach Energy (GEE), near Drumnadrochit. They would also draw water from Loch Ness to help generate electricity for thousands of homes. Pumped storage hydro involves two bodies of water at different heights. The water flows from one to the other through tunnels, passing through a power station to generate electricity. When there is low demand for electricity from consumers and/or when surplus power is available from wind farms, electricity is used to pump water from the lower level to fill a reservoir further up the hill. The water can then be released from the upper reservoir, flowing down the tunnels to drive turbines which generate hydro-electricity. This happens at times of high demand, or when there is not enough wind to power wind farms. Loch Kemp Storage Ltd, which is owned by Statera Energy, has proposed damming Loch Kemp, the upper reservoir of its scheme, to raise water levels. It also plans to construct an underground waterway systems and tunnels, and powerhouse on the shores of Loch Ness. GEE has been holding community events this week as part of its work towards trying to secure consent for the 2GW project on Balmacaan Estate. The developer has made a commitment to deliver a community wealth fund of more than £20m a year throughout the lifetime of the scheme. A spokesperson said GEE was developing one of the UK's "largest and most water efficient" pumped storage hydro schemes. Loch na Cathrach, formerly known as Red John, was granted consent by the Scottish government in June 2021. The project was taken over by Statkraft in December 2023 and is in a pre-construction phase. The UK has four existing pumped storage projects - Cruachan and Foyers in Scotland, and Dinorwig and Ffestiniog in Wales. However, a large-scale pumped storage scheme has not been built in the UK for more than 30 years. Foyers Power Station on Loch Ness opened in 1974, though hydro electricity has been generated in the area since the late 19th Century. Operator SSEN Transmission has proposed an extension to the switching station, which manages the flow of electricity from the site. A proposal of application notice was submitted to Highland Council in February. The operator of Cruachan - an underground power station dubbed "Hollow Mountain" - has put on hold its plans for a major expansion of the site. Renewables developer Drax had proposed building a new hydro-electric facility next to its existing complex inside Ben Cruachan, near Dalmally in Argyll. But it said the costs of the project had risen and it would not be bidding for UK government support at this time. The company said the expansion could potentially go-ahead in the future, "subject to an appropriate balance of risk and return". Major hydro power plant expansion put on hold Plan to extend part of Loch Ness hydro power site Loch Ness hydro power 'gold rush' branded a disaster The massive green power projects stuck in limbo Loch Kemp Storage GEE Loch na Cathrach
The National
09-06-2025
- Business
- The National
Hydro pump project announce '£20m a year' Highland community fund
Glen Earrach Energy (GEE) said that its commitment is expected to deliver more than £20 million a year throughout the operational lifetime of the project. GEE claims its proposed Community Wealth Fund will be the largest of its kind anywhere in the UK energy sector. The community fund would focus on providing financial support to go towards key issues like housing, local infrastructure, jobs, nature restoration, and community wellbeing projects. READ MORE: Scottish train engineering firm lands major contract creating 40 new jobs The proposed 2GW pumped storage hydro (PSH) project is still subject to planning permission and would be located at Balmacaan Estate, close to Loch Ness, and aims to generate 34 GWh of clean energy. The announcement follows the publication of a new developer-led research report, the first of its kind in the UK energy sector, which brings together national polling, public consultation, and direct input from communities. GEE said the report marks a major step in the development of the community fund as it sets out local priorities, design principles, and governance themes that reflect what the developers have heard during consultations. Rachel Searle, head of Communities and Impact at Foundation Scotland, welcomed the 'pioneering' announcement, saying GEE has gained a better understanding of the area by engaging with its local communities. She said: 'At a time when the wider policy environment of community benefit has become quite contested it is exciting to see such a pioneering and ambitious community benefit opportunity emerging from Glen Earrach Energy, which recognises the wide ranging and sustained benefits that can be achieved at different levels with a project of this scale. 'Glen Earrach Energy have achieved this through their own rooted understanding of the area, their considered engagement with stakeholders – especially those communities most directly impacted by the project – and an openness to building on and learning from what's gone before.' The Community Wealth Fund was developed through consultation with local residents, community organisations, and regional partners. (Image: Paul Campbell) GEE said the consultation helped to ensure that the fund's structure, priorities, and delivery reflect the communities whose resources and infrastructure will underpin the project, whilst providing meaningful benefit for the wider region. The developers added that it is already working closely with local community councils, the Highland Council, Soirbheas, and Foundation Scotland. Roderick MacLeod, director of GEE, said that his firm is listening 'carefully' to what local communities want to see as a priority for funding. He said: 'The GEE Community Wealth Fund is about more than sharing the benefits of clean energy, it is about creating long-term value for the communities who make this project possible. 'We have listened carefully to local priorities and worked with communities and partners to develop a model that is transparent, independent, and built for the future. 'Our aim is simple: to create a fund that delivers real impact, not just for the next few years, but for the next hundred and beyond.' Angus MacDonald MP, who represents the Inverness, Skye and West Ross-shire constituency where the project is to be built, said the commitment of 5% is a 'meaningful stake' for the local community. (Image: Glen Earrach Energy) He said: 'One of my first major campaigns after being elected was to ensure that communities who host clean energy infrastructure see the benefits from it. Over the past year, I have repeatedly raised this issue in Parliament and had meetings with communities, Ministers and energy companies to try and deliver a breakthrough. 'In my maiden speech to Parliament, I proposed that 5% of revenue from new renewable projects should go to the communities that support them. That idea was rooted in the belief that if rural areas are asked to host nationally significant infrastructure, they should see lasting, tangible benefit in return. 'Glen Earrach Energy committing to 5% of gross margin is recognition that communities deserve a meaningful stake in the transition happening around them. This shows what's possible when developers take local leadership seriously, and I hope it sets a precedent across the sector.'
Time of India
05-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Psychologists say these 7 evening habits could be holding you back from ever feeling truly happy
Why do evening habits matter so much? Live Events What habits are secretly ruining your mood? Doomscrolling: Procrastinating on bedtime: Rumination: Things like alcohol and late-night munchies: Keeping the work inbox accessible: Browsing for social validation boosts: Neglecting gratitude: How can you end your day more peacefully? FAQs (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel Have you ever woken up feeling tired, anxious, or just wrong and not known why? It turns out that what you do at night could be slowly taking away your and Buddhist philosophers say that true happiness doesn't just happen; it's the result of small decisions made after say that even a small change to your nighttime routine, like being thankful or not checking your email late at night, can make a big difference in how you feel in the to psychology, happiness is the result of daily choices, particularly those made between sunset and than ten years of studying Buddhist philosophy and modern psychology has demonstrated that our actions at night can subtly influence our emotional state the following morning, as per a report by GEE According to research, seven common evening habits are associated with lower levels of life satisfaction. Understanding these habits can help people find more happiness and constant swiping of bad news or social media, known as "doomscrolling," can increase anxiety and disturb sleep, which are harmful to long-term health . According to Harvard clinicians, this habit is the antithesis of mindful awareness, or suffering is what we consume rather than being there ourselves. The answer is not a total digital detox but a conscious change to a calming activity, like reading or talking to a significant other, to mark the end of the procrastination is a type of self-sabotage in which we go to bed later than planned without any external reason. This can lead to a poorer mood and chronic fatigue, both of which contribute to combat this, label the urge as "revenge bedtime procrastination" and engage in conscious breathing to reclaim agency.A 2023 longitudinal study found that people who engage in evening rumination experienced sharp increases in depressive symptoms, indicating that rumination—the repetition of mistakes, is a significant predictor of problem can be resolved by focusing on gentle curiosity instead of self-criticism through a brief metta meditation, which was a key exercise in Hidden Secrets of and comfort food consumed late at night can have a detrimental effect on happiness and the quality of sleep. While heavy, sugary snacks cause blood-sugar spikes and interfere with sleep cycles, higher alcohol consumption results in worse allowing the body to receive a calming signal without experiencing metabolic chaos, mindfulness offers a more gentle wind-down a work inbox open while you sleep can impede psychological recovery and detachment, increasing the risk of burnout. Leaders should avoid responding to emails at night and instead plan them to be sent at 8 a.m. to encourage healthier work filtered body photos can increase social comparison, which lowers body satisfaction and self-esteem, according to a 2024 experimental social media apps at night and doing things that support one's values, like writing or drawing, can help combat this and preserve happiness and exercises, like writing down three things for which you are grateful, have been shown to dramatically increase positive affect and life satisfaction, according to a 2023 meta-analysis of 64 randomized controlled isn't magic; it's attentional training that teaches the brain to look for opportunities rather than dangers. Practicing gratitude for two minutes each night, pen and paper, may be the psychological equivalent of compound patterns in your life and prioritize awareness over judgment. This week, try a changeable habit and approach it as a gentle experiment. According to Buddhist psychology, long-term happiness is cultivated in quiet, repeatable moments when we skillfully relate to our own it increases anxiety and disrupts your sleep. Consider swapping it for reading or light a two-minute gratitude list or avoiding late-night Instagram can have a noticeable impact.
India Today
02-06-2025
- Climate
- India Today
Maps: Satellite data reveals extent of Assam floods
The flood situation in Assam's Brahmaputra valley remained severe on Monday, with water levels continuing to rise across several regions, according to officials. Satellite imagery and flood-mapping data analysed by India Today's OSINT team using Sentinel-1 SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) data revealed that large areas of land were submerged under the same methodology, the composite overview imagery showed extensive inundation across key districts in Assam, including Nalbari, Guwahati, Nagaon, Silchar, Golaghat and Kamrup. Isolated flood signatures were also detected across nearly 19-20 districts, including Dhemaji, Dibrugarh, Darrang, Biswanath, Tinsukia, Karbi Anglong, Karbi Anglong West, Kamrup, Hojai, Sonitpur, Charaideo, Sivasagar, Majuli and In Assam's Kamrup Metropolitan district, flooding was primarily observed along the floodplains of the Digaru river. Satellite imagery indicated severe inundation in key urban zones, particularly in the Garchuk and Boragaon localities of Guwahati. Blue shades represent flooding in Kamrup. A similar pattern emerged in the satellite imagery of Nagaon district, where floodwaters were concentrated along the floodplains of the Kapili river. Significant inundation was detected near Kaziranga National Park, as well as in the areas of Barhampur, Barafuti and Kampur Google Earth Engine (GEE), we processed Sentinel-1 SAR datasets to perform time-series analysis of flood dynamics. By comparing radar data from the pre-monsoon and monsoon periods, we identified changes in surface water coverage that allowed us to detect newly-flooded zones. The use of SAR data, which can penetrate cloud cover and heavy rain, allowed consistent monitoring even during peak weather conditions. This approach enabled clear visualization of flood extent across Assam's impacted this analysis, we utilised pre-flooding (April 16 to May 7) and intra-flooding (May 31 to June 1) remote sensing datasets to conduct a differential assessment of surface water extent. By analysing temporal variations in satellite imagery, we were able to highlight flood-affected zones with enhanced spatial India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Assam and Meghalaya, warning the states of heavy to very heavy rainfall in the coming week. Similar alerts have been issued for Nagaland, Mizoram, Manipur and Tripura, which are also expected to receive intense Watch IN THIS STORY#Assam
