Chapelcross, a former nuclear power plant near Annan in Scotland, is to become a green energy hub under a deal between the UK’s Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) group and CX Power as the strategic developer. The masterplan for the hub includes plans for hydrogen production, advanced manufacturing, and AI Enabled Data Centres.
The privately funded, multi-million pound, net-zero focused development, will generate several hundred high value jobs and attract skills and investment, and the NDA has entered into Heads of Terms agreement with CX Power to help deliver the programme.
The plans include a potential 1 GW data centre campus with a zero-carbon target in its energy operation. The scheme looks to harness the 3 GW of renewable energy supplies within 50 miles (80 km) of the site and the 1.2 GW of planned and consented wind and solar developments in the region. In addition, the data centres would utilise advanced cooling technologies that don’t place a burden on water resources and strive to achieve full water neutrality.
The focus of the CX Power development is 135 acres (55 Ha) of the available land within the unlicensed landholding of the estate, adjacent to the former nuclear power site and wider nuclear licensed area.
Commenting on the development NDA Group CEO, David Peattie, said: “CX Power coming on board is a significant step forwards, unlocking the combined potential of the public and private sector to accelerate the programme at Chapelcross. As well as powering economic growth, the development of the hub supports the UK’s energy security ambitions and the drive for net zero. It demonstrates what can be achieved when organisations work together with a shared vision.”
Scottish Energy Minister Michael Shanks said: “Chapelcross has powered the south of Scotland for decades and now is being given new life with this clean energy hub, creating jobs and revitalising local communities.
CX Power is an entity comprising of GA Consultants and Global Mutual Properties Limited. Its CEO, Graeme Anderson, said: “This is an opportunity to build a new economy based on the abundance of local green energy production. Embracing the UK’s natural wind and solar energy resources to actively support our national grid rather than burden it.
“It’ll also open up opportunities for skills development and knowledge exchange creating a powerful force for change in the local economy, the Borderlands and Scotland.” CX Power joins a number of strategic partners delivering the programme including Dumfries & Galloway Council, NDA, Nuclear Restoration Services (NRS), South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE) and Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal.
