WORK started this week on a new Energy Transition Zone beside Chapelcross.
Contractors are preparing the former runway site to become serviced plots, which it’s hoped will create jobs and bring investment to the area.
South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE) bought the 6.5 hectare site in November 2023 and secured planning permission on it recently from Dumfries and Galloway Council.
Their focus is on transitioning the area around the nuclear power station to green energy production.
And officials this week revealed they have already had “significant interest” from businesses outwith this region who are keen to move here.
The Energy Transition Zone is expected to be marketed imminently to companies focussed on green energy related production.
The project kickstarts the development of the main Chapelcross site, which is being
taken forward by a variety of partners.
Last summer, a masterplan for the future of Chapelcross was unveiled, showcasing the vision to develop the overall site into a Green Energy Hub. It is claimed the hub will transform the local 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.
SOSE chief executive Jane Morrison-Ross said: “This is another significant step forward for the Energy Transition Zone project.
“We want this site to be the hub for innovative, green energy businesses contributing to the local economy and to the South of Scotland’s Just Transition to Net Zero.
“Chapelcross is perfectly placed in the middle of the UK and its history and future reflect the importance of innovation in energy production.
“The South is the place to invest and do business, and we have significant interest in being part of this.
“We look forward to welcoming our first tenants to the Energy Transition Zone very soon.”
