Green Cat Hydrogen (GCH) has launched a publication consultation for a new project besides Chapelcross, Scotland.
GCH’s proposed project, which is subject to planning permission, will take place at South of Scotland Enterprise’s Energy Transition Zone. It aims to help kickstart the development of the main Chapelcross site, which is being taken forward by a variety of partners.
If approved, the development of GCH’s green hydrogen facility can help the local economy by generating around 50 high-skilled jobs during operation, plus 150 jobs during construction. The hydrogen produced at the proposed facility will be used to decarbonise local industries.
The Energy Transition Zone is located beside the main Chapelcross site and aims to attract significant inward investment focused on green energy production.
Once operational, the GCH facility would be capable of producing over 4000 tpy of green hydrogen, resulting in CO2 emissions reductions of up to 26 000 tpy – equivalent to planting 20 000 hectares of broadleaf forest.
Work is underway on the preliminary engineering and environmental studies for the project, and a planning application is being prepared.
Before the planning application is submitted to Dumfries and Galloway Council, GCH is holding two public consultation events, allowing the public to view the plans, learn more from the project team, and provide feedback. Last year, a masterplan for the future of the main Chapelcross site was unveiled, showcasing the vision to develop it into a green energy hub.
The multi-million pound, net zero-focused development will include hydrogen production, storage and associated logistics, advanced manufacturing, energy, and enterprise campuses.
GCH will continue to work closely with partners to ensure the vision for Chapelcross is turned into reality.
Gavin Catto, CEO at GCH, said: “The public consultation is an important part of the project development process. 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. Green hydrogen is especially well-placed to solve the challenge of decarbonisation in hard-to-electrify sectors, and we are drawing on our wide-ranging experience to move projects across Scotland forward at pace, to meet significant anticipated demand.”
Jane Morrison-Ross, Chief Executive at South of Scotland Enterprise, added: “As part of Scotland’s Green Industrial Strategy, and as the Natural Capital Innovation Zone for Scotland, we are committed to creating an environment for investment and growth, as we transition to net zero. Our Energy Transition Zone beside Chapelcross is a catalyst to accelerate this ambition, and I am delighted GCH have unveiled their plans to be part of the site. 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.”