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Hunterston set to become offshore wind hub

[ May 28, 2024   //   ]

Peel Ports Clydeport says it could invest up to £150 million in the redevelopment of the Hunterston marine yard in Ayrshire as an offshore wind hub.

Peel is preparing the site for occupancy as it seeks to attract major projects, amid growing demand for the offshore wind supply chain on the west coast. The port operator has submitted a formal planning application for the redevelopment of the site, and will launch a competitive tender process for developers soon. The work will include substantial upgrades to the marine yard and utility services, including infilling the current dry-dock basin and construction of a new quay wall.

Managing director of port services, Lewis McIntyre, said: “Scotland already has the reputation, infrastructure and talent needed to support offshore renewable energy projects and meet our national aspirations for the environment and green jobs – we can make that vision a reality if businesses like ours are willing to invest and work together to make it happen.

“Our plans for Hunterston reflect our ambitions for a net-zero future, supporting offshore wind developments along the west coast of the UK and the east coast of Ireland, as well as supporting our local construction partners.”

Peel Ports held public consultations on the redevelopment at the end of last year and obtained initial expressions of interest from developers earlier this year. The project will require planning permission, marine licences and other consents, and will include an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), before any works can begin.

It currently estimates the consenting process will be complete by the end of the year, followed by two years of construction.

Peel Ports has begun talks with several potential tenants for the site, which will take up around 90 acres of the 320 being redeveloped at Hunterston for the ‘Blue’ and ‘Green’ economies. A further 700 acres will be safeguarded for natural capital and biodiversity.

Much of the former coal terminal site is already under option, most notably for an undersea energy cable factory and an onshore aquaculture facility, with further developments in the pipeline.

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