Council Leader, Councillor Gail Macgregor, has written to Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, Ed Milliband and Secretary of State for Scotland, Ian Murray, to propose the site of the former nuclear power station near Annan for the new HQ.
The Council said that it believes that the 198-hectare site at Chapelcross, which has already been earmarked for development and is in the process of attracting partners and investors, is "an ideal location as it offers a number of strategic advantages and opportunities to support the transition to net-zero that benefits both our region and the UK as a whole".
The site already has existing grid connections, road access, and infrastructure that can accommodate a wide range of energy-related activities, such as hydrogen production and storage, carbon capture and utilisation, renewable energy generation and export, and circular economy solutions.
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The area is also being proposed because of its excellent geographical location and crucial connectivity and transport links to the A74M and A75 with the potential for regional, national and international distribution from the site.
The letter states that as a region, Dumfries and Galloway already generates around four times more renewable energy than it uses, making it a significant net exporter of clean electricity to the rest of the UK. By locating GB Energy's headquarters at Chapelcross, the council have suggested that the UK Government would not only recognise the strategic importance of our region for the UK's energy security and net zero ambitions, but also provide a much-needed boost to our local economy and population.
Leader of the Council, Councillor Gail Macgregor said of the letter: "We are confident that Chapelcross has the potential to become an economic lever which will have a knock-on effect to attract other businesses and develop as a centre of excellence and innovation for GB Energy. This would attract talent, investment and collaboration from across the UK and beyond, upgrading skills and creating a wider range of better-paid jobs in the area.
"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."
The Leader has requested an opportunity to discuss the proposal in more detail and has offered to facilitate a visit to the Chapelcross site for the Members of Parliament.
