The UK Government has unveiled plans to develop the Chapelcross nuclear power station into a hub for green energy.
The project, backed by £15.3m combined funding from the UK and Scottish Governments, looks to transform the Chapelcross nuclear site into a leading beacon of renewable energy.
Plans for the site, outlined in the ‘Chapelcross Masterplan’, include developing hydrogen production storage, advanced manufacturing, and energy and enterprise campuses to accelerate the UK’s net zero ambitions.
Repurposing the former nuclear plant will generate growth in the local economy and create lucrative green energy job opportunities for the region.
Chapelcross: A rich history in clean energy
Located near Annan, Chapelcross nuclear power station, Scotland’s pioneer in atomic energy, emerged from the Cold War era.
Built as a sister plant to Calder Hall in England, its primary function was the production of plutonium for the UK’s nuclear weapons programme.
The plant, which began operating in 1959, also generated electricity, supplying the National Grid. Its four reactors and iconic cooling towers became emblematic of Britain’s embrace of nuclear power.
However, Chapelcross was more than just a power station. It was a strategic asset, a key component in the nation’s nuclear deterrent.
While the plant made significant contributions to the UK’s energy supply, the Chapelcross nuclear site ceased operation in 2004, with its four cooling towers demolished in 2007.
A landmark of UK energy innovation in the 20th century, Chapelcross now has the opportunity to become a key player in the nation’s energy transition.
Developing a major UK green energy hub
Chapelcross spans 210 hectares in size, with the land owned by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA).
The site is currently being safely and securely decommissioned by Nuclear Restoration Services (NRS), a subsidiary of the NDA.
Now, the NDA is looking to attract a strategic developer to provide expertise and private finance to help transform the site into a clean energy powerhouse.
NDA CEO David Peattie explained: “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 benefits to local communities, the environment, and the wider economy. The green energy hub will enable us to deliver this at Chapelcross.
“The masterplan marks tangible progress in making the hub a reality and is a testament to the value of working in partnership. Selecting a strategic developer will enable us to build on this further and leverage the benefits of public and private sector collaboration.”
Strategic Developer Proposals must be submitted by 25 October 2024, and the NDA plans to make an appointment early in 2025.
