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Hydrogen plant promises jobs at old nuclear site

Green Cat Hydrogen Green fields and trees surrounding the last buildings left on a former nuclear power station site in southern ScotlandGreen Cat Hydrogen
Green Cat Hydrogen said its development would create 50 jobs - plus 150 during construction

A green hydrogen project hopes to deliver dozens of new jobs next to a former nuclear power station site in southern Scotland.

Green Cat Hydrogen (GCH) said its proposed development at Chapelcross, near Annan, could help to decarbonise local businesses.

The nuclear plant ceased generating electricity in 2004 and its cooling towers came down a few years later.

A plan for turning the area into a "green energy hub" was unveiled last year, backed by funding from the Scottish and UK governments.

PA Media Four large chimneys sit in the south of Scotland landscape beneath ominous grey cloudsPA Media
The cooling towers at Chapelcross were demolished after it ceased operation

Green hydrogen is produced by splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen using renewable energy.

The hydrogen it produces can then be used as a fuel which does not emit polluting gases.

GCH said its facility would support about 50 high-skilled jobs once it was operational plus about 150 during construction.

Once it is up and running the company said it could produce more than 4,000 tonnes of green hydrogen per year - reducing carbon dioxide emissions by up to 26,000 tonnes a year.

The firm said that was the equivalent of planting 20,000 hectares (50,000 acres) of broadleaf forest.

Preliminary engineering and environmental studies for the project have started and a planning application is being drawn up.

Prior to that the company will hold two public consultation events - the first of which will be on 1 April at Creca Village Hall.

GCH was set up in 2022 and is developing other projects in Scotland including in Perthshire and Orkney.

Ironside Farrar An artist's impression of how a hydrogen energy plant might look with large containers and a blue industrial buildingIronside Farrar
Plans to make the area a "green energy hub" have been backed by UK and Scottish governments

Chief executive Gavin Catto said: "We are committed to listening to the community's views and working closely with local stakeholders.

"The current project at Chapelcross is just the first phase of what we hope will develop into a significant partnership for GCH and our counterparts.

"The project represents a significant contribution to the transformation of Chapelcross into a major hub for this exciting new technology."

Jane Morrison-Ross, chief executive at South of Scotland Enterprise, said it was delighted to have GCH on board.

"We know that Chapelcross is perfectly placed in the middle of the UK, and its history and future reflect the importance of innovation in energy production," she said.

"GCH's proposals highlight again the south is the perfect place to invest and do business.

"We would encourage the local community to engage with the upcoming public engagement events to find out more about GCH's plans."