Foresight Energy Partners with Gilkes Energy for Earba Pumped Storage Hydro Project

Foresight Group, a prominent player in infrastructure and private capital investment, has announced a significant investment in the Earba Pumped Storage Hydro (PSH) project, developed by Gilkes Energy. This strategic partnership is set to bolster Earba’s status as one of the leading long-duration electricity storage projects in the UK, particularly in the context of the ongoing energy transition.

Investment Details and Project Overview

On 19 October 2026, Foresight Energy Infrastructure Partners II SCSp (FEIP II) confirmed its investment in the Earba PSH project, which boasts an impressive installed capacity of 1.8 GW and an energy storage capacity of 40 GWh. This capacity allows the project to provide up to 22 hours of full-power export, making it a critical asset for balancing the electricity system in the UK.

The investment will facilitate the next phase of the project, which includes detailed engineering, procurement, site investigations, and preparations for construction. This support is crucial as the UK seeks to enhance its energy infrastructure, particularly in Scotland, where the project is located.

Significance of the Earba Project

Earba is positioned to play a vital role in the UK’s energy landscape, particularly as the country increases its reliance on intermittent renewable energy sources. The project is designed to store excess renewable energy generated during periods of low demand and release it back to the grid when needed, thereby enhancing the flexibility and security of the electricity supply.

On average, the Earba project is expected to generate enough electricity to power over 1.4 million homes in the UK, underscoring its potential impact on the nation’s energy security and sustainability goals.

Regulatory Milestones and Future Prospects

Earlier this year, Earba achieved a significant regulatory milestone by being included in Ofgem’s Minded-to Decision under the first application window of the UK Government’s Long Duration Electricity Storage (LDES) cap and floor scheme. This inclusion marks Earba as the largest PSH project in terms of both installed capacity and stored energy, highlighting its strategic importance to the future of the UK electricity system. Ofgem is expected to release its final decisions regarding the LDES cap and floor window in autumn 2026, which will further clarify the project’s regulatory framework.

Economic Impact and Job Creation

The construction and operation of the Earba project are anticipated to generate significant economic activity, including job creation and investment in the local and regional supply chain. This aspect of the project aligns with broader economic objectives, as the UK aims to stimulate growth while transitioning to a more sustainable energy system.

Statements from Key Stakeholders

Carl Crompton, Managing Director of Gilkes Energy, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership with Foresight, stating, “We are delighted to welcome Foresight as a strategic investor in the Earba PSH project. Their long-term approach to infrastructure investment and experience across the energy transition sector make them an excellent partner for this nationally significant project.” He further noted that Earba is recognised as one of the most economically viable and deliverable LDES projects, capable of making a substantial contribution to the UK’s energy security and net-zero ambitions.

Ben Field, Investment Director at Foresight, echoed this sentiment, stating, “We are delighted to be partnering with Gilkes Energy to advance Earba, one of the UK’s most strategically important long-duration energy storage projects. As renewable generation continues to scale, assets such as Earba will play a critical role in providing the flexibility, resilience, and system stability needed to support a decarbonised power system.” He emphasised Foresight’s commitment to working alongside Gilkes Energy to bring the project to fruition, thereby enhancing the UK’s energy security and accelerating the energy transition.

Conclusion

The partnership between Foresight Energy Infrastructure Partners II and Gilkes Energy marks a significant step forward for the Earba Pumped Storage Hydro project, reinforcing its position as a cornerstone of the UK’s long-duration energy storage capabilities. As the country navigates the complexities of its energy transition, projects like Earba will be essential in ensuring a reliable, sustainable, and secure electricity supply for the future.