MPS Scotland

Modular pumped storage

Tailored storage schemes that turn wasted wind energy into reliable, clean power for Scotland and the wider UK.

Upper reservoir Lower reservoir Head

Water is pumped uphill when there is surplus energy and released through a turbine when it is needed.

Our scope

We design individually tailored pumped storage schemes that turn wasted energy into reliable, clean storage, cutting costs for our clients while helping mitigate wind curtailment across the UK.

Why pumped storage

Lithium-ion battery farms are one answer to storage. Pumped storage is a different one, and the two can work side by side.

Built to last

Operating lives of many decades, against the shorter lifespan of battery systems.

No capacity fade

Water stored uphill does not degrade, so capacity stays steady over time.

Tailored and modular

Each scheme is sized to the site and the client, from a single business to a wider network.

Less strain on the grid

Storing surplus wind locally reduces curtailment and improves energy security for businesses.

Meet the team

Five civil engineering graduates from Heriot-Watt University, now working across structures, water and rail.

Portrait of Findlay Young

Findlay Young

MEng Civil Engineering

Based in Dumfries and Galloway and working in agriculture. Previously completed a placement with PJ Carey, gaining site and office experience.

Portrait of Josh Liddell

Josh Liddell

MEng Civil Engineering

Completed an internship at AMEY in the structural division, focusing on assessments of existing highway infrastructure.

Portrait of Fraser Kelly

Fraser Kelly

MEng Civil Engineering

Graduate engineer in the structures team at AMEY, based in Edinburgh.

Portrait of Liam Sampson

Liam Sampson

MEng Civil Engineering

Graduate structural engineer at AECOM, working on the design of water and wastewater infrastructure.

Portrait of Duncan Bouchard

Duncan Bouchard

BEng Civil Engineering

Site engineering and programme management experience with a contractor, plus an MSc in Railway Engineering. Now a graduate engineer at Network Rail.

How we got here

From a final-year university project to a proposal for Scotland's coast.

  1. 2024

    A fourth-year project

    Under the guidance of a former ICE President, we ran a feasibility study for a tidal barrage on the Menai Strait. It showed how well suited the UK is to hydro power, and how much of that potential is still unused.

  2. 2025

    The Glensanda proposal

    Looking at existing schemes turned our attention to Scotland's pumped storage heritage. We proposed pairing a brownfield site with the sea as reservoirs: a design of this scale not previously proposed, with a capacity of 4 GW.

  3. 2026

    Testing the idea

    A panel of senior industry experts challenged and scrutinised the proposal. Our former professors have supported us since and now sit on our strategic advisory board.

Contact us

To discuss a scheme or ask a question, get in touch.

info@mpsscotland.co.uk