Billions in investment and jobs promised amid Hunterston deal
Peel Ports say over 5,000 jobs will be created during upgrade
Last updated 4th Dec 2024
Bosses at Hunterston Marine Yard are promising a new £150 million upgrade will bring in £3.5 billion in inward investment and over 5,000 jobs.
Peel Ports Clydeport has secured permission for the complete redevelopment of the site and say it will pave the way for increased offshore wind power off the UK’s west coast.
The redevelopment works – which are expected to start in early 2025 and last for around two years – will include substantial upgrades to the marine yard, including infilling the current dry-dock basin and the creation of a new quay wall.
Lewis McIntyre, managing director of Port Services at Peel Ports Group admitted his joy at getting the deal over the line.
He said: “Hunterston is set to become a major facilitator of the UK energy transition, and this decision is a big step forward in making that happen. It also proves that the West Coast is going to play a huge role in renewables.
“There will be no energy transition without ports, and harnessing the potential of sites like Hunterston is key to achieving the UK’s net-zero goals.
“The knock-on benefits for the local and national economies are also significant. We look forward to working with the policymaking community to create the investment conditions we need to replicate the success of Hunterston at other sites across the country.”
Highview Power – a renewable energy company - recently announced it is to construct the world’s largest Liquid Air Energy Storage (LAES) facility at Hunterston, the latest in a string of projects that are either underway, or in the pipeline, at the site.
Mr McIntyre added: “In addition to the planning permission granted today, the final hurdle of the redevelopment will be to secure the necessary marine licences, for which consultation is well underway, and once secured the works can commence.
“The redevelopment will continue the transformation of the former Hunterston coal terminal into a leading hub for the blue and green economies.
“Of the 350 acres being redeveloped, some 90 per cent of the site is already under option, supporting energy transition projects such as HVDC cable manufacturing, the UK’s first hub for the manufacturing of gravity base structures, power generation and storage.”
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