Chapelcross has again missed out on landing a major economic boost from the UK Government.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced that the GB Energy headquarters will be sited in Aberdeen – despite lobbying by Dumfries and Galloway Council to have it, or satellite offices, housed at the former nuclear power station site, which is being decommissioned.
Council leader Gail Macgregor previously said having the GB Energy HQ would provide “a huge boost to our local economy and population by attracting skilled workers and upgrading local skills, especially in the green energy sector”.
She expressed her disappointment at losing out in a letter 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. She said: “We are deeply disappointed that Chapelcross has not been selected as GB Energy HQ.
“The site and wider region would have benefitted from the economic leverage attracting other businesses developing a centre of excellence and innovation for GB Energy.”
Her letter also states that “such an arrangement would not only leverage the site’s existing green energy capabilities but also demonstrate a tangible commitment to regional equity and the broader strategic objectives of the UK’s energy policy”.
In 2021 Chapelcross missed out on a bid to become the home of the UK’s prototype fusion energy plant. Fusion is seen as a potential source of almost limitless clean energy but is currently only used in experiments. The UK Atomic Energy Agency is hoping to have such a plant operating in the early 2040s.
Councillor Macgregor added: “Despite this news, we will press ahead with delivery of our ambition for the site. 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.”
Chapelcross is being developed as a multi-million pound, net-zero focused green energy park – and is recognised as an area for national development detailed in the National Planning Framework 4, having been earmarked for redevelopment as a green energy hub since 2013. The plans include hydrogen production storage, advanced manufacturing, and energy and enterprise campuses and are already in the process of attracting investors, industries and developers.
The Great British Energy Bill, announced in the King’s Speech, is said to be a flagship of the new Labour-led UK Government who wants its “clean energy mission” headquartered in Scotland. As a new, publicly-owned energy production company, it is set to own, manage and operate clean power projects up and down the country.