An Energy Transition Zone on a site adjacent to the Chapelcross former nuclear power plant near Annan has been given to go-ahead – with “significant interest” from businesses keen to move in.
The region’s economic and community development agency, South of Scotland Enterprise, bought the 6.5 hectare site in November 2023 and submitted its planning application to Dumfries and Galloway Council in June last year.
Now that it’s been approved, SOSE said work will “begin imminently” to create serviced plots on the land, and to market the Energy Transition Zone so they can encourage inward investment which is focussed on the transition to green energy production – and, ultimately, generate new jobs.
SOSE chief executive Jane Morrison-Ross, said that as the site lies close to the M74 corridor, it “offers excellent transport links and as a result SOSE has already had significant interest from businesses from outwith the South keen to move into the region”.
She 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.”
SOSE’s Chapelcross Energy Transition Zone 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.
The development of 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.
Any business interested in The Energy Transition Zone should visit: www.investinsouthofscotland.com/properties/chapelcross-energy-transition-zone/.