FIFTY jobs would be created if a new green hydrogen facility gets the go-ahead beside Chapelcross.
Green Cat Hydrogen (GCH) is behind the development, which they say would also require 150 construction jobs.
Work is underway on the preliminary engineering and environmental studies for the project, which would be located on the South of Scotland Enterprise’s Energy Transition Zone, and a planning application is being prepared.
Ahead of that, GCH will be holding a public information event in Creca next month.
The firm says their proposal aims to help kickstart the development of the main Chapelcross site, which is being taken forward by a variety of partners.
And if approved, the green hydrogen facility would ‘help transform the local economy’ with high-skilled roles.
Once operational, it would be capable of producing over 4000 tonnes of green hydrogen per year, which will be used to decarbonise local industries.
Green Cat Hydrogen was established in 2022 and is developing several further green hydrogen projects across Scotland, including in Perthshire and Orkney.
CEO Gavin Catto said: “We are committed to listening to the community’s views and working closely with local stakeholders.
“The current project at Chapelcross is just the first phase of what we hope will develop into a significant partnership for Green Cat
Hydrogen and our counterparts.
“The project represents a significant contribution to the transformation of Chapelcross into a major hub for this exciting new technology.
“Green hydrogen is especially well-placed to solve the decarbonisation challenge faced in hard-to-electrify sectors, and we are drawing on our wide-ranging experience to move projects across Scotland forward at pace to meet significant anticipated demand.”
Welcoming their aims, Jane Morrison-Ross, SOSE chief executive, said: “We are committed to creating an environment for investment and growth, as we transition to Net Zero.
“Our Energy Transition Zone beside Chapelcross is a catalyst to accelerate this ambition, and I am delighted Green Cat Hydrogen have unveiled their plans to be part of the site.
“We know that Chapelcross is perfectly placed in the middle of the UK, and its history and future reflect the importance of innovation in energy production.
“Green Cat Hydrogen’s proposals highlight again the South is the perfect place to invest and do business.”
