A MASTERPLAN for the future of Chapelcross showcases a vision to develop the site into a Green Energy Hub.
Almost 60 hectares of the northern part of the former nuclear plant site will be developed with the aim of generating jobs and economic activity for Annan and the surrounding region.
The multi-million pound development will include hydrogen production, storage and associated logistics, advanced manufacturing, energy and enterprise campuses.
And the new hub will transform the economy, “creating the conditions for growth and actively kick-starting and progressively building a market with high value jobs, skills and activities in the green energy economy”, say Dumfries and Galloway Council.
Officials have noted that renewable energy production in the South of Scotland currently exceeds local need, providing a competitive platform for the region to benefit from the energy transition.
A series of artist impressions illustrate how the future Chapelcross Green Energy Hub will look.
Dumfries and Galloway Council leader, Cllr 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 Scottish Government has already included the site as a regional hub in its hydrogen action plan.
And the NDA are now looking to identify a strategic partner who will bring expertise and private finance to help deliver the partners’ vision for the site.
Avison Young, land agent for the NDA, have released a request for proposal for the private sector to develop the northern area of the Chapelcross site.
Strategic partner proposals must be submitted by October 25 with the hope of making 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.”
South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE) is also taking forward an Energy Transition Zone on a 6.5-hectare section of land adjacent to the main Chapelcross site, which will aim to generate jobs and inward investment focussed on the transition to 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!
Plans are also in development by Elgin Energy for a 150Mw battery storage facility on the adjacent land.
The overall Chapelcross programme includes a number of partners – Dumfries and Galloway Council, Nuclear Restoration Services (formerly named Magnox), NDA, SOSE and Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal.
Work on the next level of masterplan detail will soon commence, considering site infrastructure and phasing along with access improvements.
The plans are supported by investment of up to £15.3 million from both UK and Scottish Governments through the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal which could help to finance the access and utility improvements.
