My recollection is that the early anouncements indicated that...

My recollection is that the early anouncements indicated that both the underground and the PHES could proceed together.

Its only been more recently that there has been a suggestion that the turbine insurers wouldn't cop the risks associated with the blasting inherent in the uG mining.

 

I'm hoping engineering brains will come into play and a solution which allows both things to happen will be found.

Fixing the problem of eliminating the effects of blasting from  the operation of the turbines sounds like a decent set of engine mountings to me.

I'm reminded of Winston Churchill addressing the engineers when the plans for the construction of  that magnificently conceived, designed and executed harbour off Brittany which allowed the allied forces to land in France and end WW2 were under consideration. He said  " I don't want to hear about the problems, tell me only about the solutions"  

We will see both things happen or heads should roll.