Hunterston Port and Resource Campus (PARC) in Scotland is calling upon renewable energy developers to join its growing community.
The campus (pictured) has been granted national development status under the Scottish government’s National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4) meaning it can now facilitate a variety of new developments including offshore wind (both fixed and floating) and hydrogen projects.
The designation recognises Hunterston as a strategically important site that will play a key role in supporting the delivery of Scotland’s new national development strategy and the country’s transition to net-zero by 2045.
Hunterston PARC, which is part of Clydeport, makes up one of only 18 developments to be named as national developments under the new strategy.
The sites are to be redeveloped, with the government’s consultation paper on the strategy noting that this will leverage Hunterston PARC’s “potential for electricity generation from renewables”.
The required consents will still have to be obtained, however, and the necessary impact assessments undertaken, in line with Clydeport’s statutory obligations.
In addition, several key sites within the Clydeport cluster have also received special status as part of the Clyde Mission, which is focused on the River Clyde and riverside from South Lanarkshire in the east to Inverclyde and Argyll and Bute on the west.
This will mean that King George V Docks, Rothesay Dock, Inchgreen and Greenock Ocean Terminal will form part of the new planning designation.
Director of Clydeport at Peel Ports Group James McSporran said: “We are extremely proud that Hunterston and key areas of Clydeport has been prioritised under this planning framework.
“The Hunterston campus is primed to play a leading role in meeting the challenge of a green economic recovery and making Scotland net-zero by 2045.
“That’s been our vision for Hunterston for many years, and national development status will help us make that vision a reality.
“Clydeport’s assets are uniquely placed to also attract further investment and business opportunities that will be a vital boost to the West of Scotland after Glasgow City Region lost out on its bid for green freeport status.
“If the government does proceed with investment zones, Clydeport and Hunterston are ideally positioned for the potential creation of new jobs locally, and the regeneration of the west coast of Scotland’s economy.”