Bigs plans shaping the future of Chapelcross have been released
Jobs will be created for the Annan area.
The future of Chapelcross has been unveiled in a masterplan, revealing how it will be transformed from a nuclear power plant into a Green Energy Hub.
The multi-million-pound site near Annan is said to improve the local economy and create high value jobs.
Hydrogen production, advanced manufacturing, storage and associated logistics, and energy and enterprise campuses are part of the net-zero development.
The northern side of the site will be around 60 hectares and will aim to generate jobs and economic activity for Annan and the rest of the region.
Dumfries and Galloway Council Leader, Councillor Gail Macgregor, said; ‘By commissioning this masterplan, we have a clear vision for delivering future jobs which supports our transition to net zero for the region. We are united with Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) and South of Scotland Enterprise in our ambition for the future of Chapelcross as a powerful force for change in the local economy and look forward to the design developing.’
The site has been recognised as an “emerging hydrogen supply chain cluster” and included as a regional hub in the Scottish Government’s Hydrogen Action Plan.
Now, the NDA are seeking a partner who can help deliver the vision for the site with their expertise and private finance.
The deadline to submit a Strategic Partner Proposal is October 25th this year and the NDA aim to make an appointment early next year.
NDA CEO, David Peattie, said: “We are committed to decommissioning our sites safely, securely and sustainably, leaving a positive, long-lasting legacy for future generations.
“Our ultimate aim is to free up our land for reuse, delivering benefit to local communities the environment and the wider economy – the green energy hub will enable us to deliver this at Chapelcross.
“The masterplan marks tangible progress in making the hub a reality and is a testament to the value of partnership working. Selecting a strategic developer will enable us to build on this further and leverage the benefits of public and private sector collaboration.”
South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE) is also taking forward an
An Energy Transition Zone on a 6.5-hectare section of land opposite to the main Chapelcross site is being taken forward by the South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE) aiming to create jobs and inward investment specifically on the transition to green energy production.
Jane Morrison-Ross, Chief Executive of SOSE, said: “We are delighted to be progressing our Energy Transition Zone which will kickstart the development of the Green Energy Campus on the main Chapelcross site.
“We are committed to working with our Chapelcross partners to ensure this excellent location leads our region to a new economy based on green energy production.”
Richard Murray, NRS Chapelcross Site Director, added: “We welcome the CX masterplan, which builds on our rich history of low carbon energy generation and repositions this for a green energy future.
“The NDA landholding and the site’s range of existing utilities and grid infrastructure will maximise our contribution to net zero and support sustainable economic growth.
“The significant release of 60 hectares of NDA land to support phase one is the equivalent of 84 adult football pitches!
“NRS will continue to play an important, strategic role in this project and is committed to retaining vital skills in the region for future developments through our comprehensive decommissioning programme, ensuring that we keep the energy sector supply chain vibrant and robust in our communities - securing opportunities and benefits for all our futures.”