Mr Angus MacDonald

Mr Angus MacDonald

Liberal Democrat — Inverness, Skye and West Ross-shire

Speaking in the House of Commons on 20 October 2026

Debate

Long Duration Electricity Storage Systems

Contribution

Hopefully, we will have all these different renewable energy sources coming through, but geothermal is a big one. We have an enormous opportunity in rural Scotland to facilitate the electrification of Britain, and long-duration storage can help us make better use of the renewable electricity we generate. It can improve the security of supply and support a more efficient electricity system. Rural Scotland plays a role in enabling Britain to achieve its net zero ambitions. However, the impact on our communities is currently almost entirely negative. It is like telling the inhabitants of Norway or Aberdeen in the 1970s that there will be an oil and gas boom, but the locals should not benefit from it. As things stand, these multibillion-pound pump storage sites will produce few local jobs, no legacy housing and minimal community benefit for the people of the highlands. That is completely unacceptable. Pump storage sites are an essential part of our national energy portfolio, and they are great for Britain. Let us make them great for the highlands, too.

More from Mr Angus MacDonald

Other recent Hansard contributions by the same speaker.

About Hansard

Hansard is the official verbatim record of proceedings in the UK Parliament. Every word spoken in the Commons and Lords is recorded and published — this page is a single contribution from that record.

For Mr Angus MacDonald's full parliamentary record including voting history, expenses and all other contributions, see the Mr Angus MacDonald report card.