Dumfries and Galloway Council have penned a letter to UK Government cabinet ministers outlining why they feel the former nuclear power station, just outside of Annan, would be the perfect base for the publicly owned green power company.
Council leader Gail Macgregor, has written to the Rt Hon Ed Milliband, Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, and the Rt Hon Ian Murray, Secretary of State for Scotland, to express the interest of the region.
The council believes the 198-hectare site at Chapelcross, which is currently earmarked for development, is an ideal location.
It has already has existing grid connections, road access, and infrastructure that can accommodate a wide range of energy-related activities, such as hydrogen production and storage, carbon capture and utilisation, renewable energy generation and export, and circular economy solutions.
The area is also being proposed because of its geographical location and crucial connectivity and transport links to the A74M and A75 with the potential for regional, national and international distribution from the site.
In her letter, Cllr Macgregor said that, as a region, Dumfries and Galloway already generates around four times more renewable energy than they use, making it a significant net exporter of clean electricity to the rest of the UK.
The council have also suggested that the UK Government would not only recognise the strategic importance of the region for the UK’s energy security and net zero ambitions, but also provide a boost to the local economy and population with high quality jobs.
Cllr Macgregor said: “We are confident that Chapelcross has the potential to become an economic lever which will have a knock-on effect to attract other businesses and develop as a centre of excellence and innovation for GB Energy.
“This would attract talent, investment and collaboration from across the UK and beyond, upgrading skills and creating a wider range of better-paid jobs in the area.
“We have a strong and supportive partnership with the Scottish Government, the South of Scotland Enterprise Agency, the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, academia and industry.
“We also have a committed and engaged local community that welcomes the opportunity to be part of the energy transition and the green recovery.”
Cllr Macgregor has requested an opportunity to discuss the proposal in more detail and has offered to facilitate a visit to the Chapelcross site for the Members of Parliament.
