A future vision for Hunterston's Peel Port site has been unveiled which will attract more jobs and see the site becoming net zero ten years ahead of schedule.

It has been granted national development status, creating an opening for a series of renewable energy developments such as offshore wind facilities and hydrogen and carbon capture.

The site 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. 

The designation 'provides confidence and certainty to the local community, businesses and investors in the acceptable uses for the site', Peel Ports say. 

James McSporran, Director of Clydeport at Peel Ports Group said: “We are extremely proud that Hunterston 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.” 

Tom Arthur MSP, Minister for Public Finance, Planning and Community Wealth said: “This designation recognises Hunterston’s importance for the port and energy industries given its existing infrastructure and deep-water access.

"National development status can help Hunterston support green sustainable jobs as part of the transformation of the economy to tackle climate change and reach net zero. 

“Planning plays a key role in delivering the expansion of renewable energy needed to realise the just transition from reliance on fossil fuels. This creates the foundation upon which to build the fairer, greener Scotland.” 

This development is the latest step forward in Hunterston PARC’s vision to build and develop a facility to service and grow the blue, green and circular economies. 

In August 2021 it announced a long-term deal with sub-sea cabling company XLCC for a major facility to include two factories, which could further generate 900 jobs. It gained planning approval last year. 

Smart Green Shipping, in collaboration with Malin and with support from Scottish Enterprise, is set to install its demonstration FastRig at Hunterston in Q2 2023.

The FastRig system is designed to augment a ship’s powertrain to save fuel, reduce mechanical wear and generate emissions credits. 

Peel Ports is committed to becoming net-zero across all its sites by 2040, putting it 10 years ahead of the UK government's national decarbonisation targets.