Planning permission granted for Ayrshire renewables hub

The redevelopment, led by Peel Ports Clydeport, will modernise the former coal terminal into a critical hub for port infrastructure supporting renewable energy. 

“Hunterston is set to become a major facilitator of the UK energy transition, and this decision is a big step forward in making that happen,” said Lewis McIntyre, managing director – port services at Peel Ports Group.

“There will be no energy transition without ports, and harnessing the potential of sites like Hunterston is key to achieving the UK’s net-zero goals.”

Ambitious upgrade

This ambitious upgrade follows Highview Power’s announcement of plans to build the world’s largest Liquid Air Energy Storage (LAES) facility at Hunterston, reinforcing the site’s importance in the UK’s renewable energy strategy.

The redevelopment is projected to attract GB£3.5bn in inward investment and create over 5,000 jobs.

With 90% of the 350-acre site already under option for energy projects like HVDC cable manufacturing and gravity base structure production, Hunterston is emerging as a leader in the green and blue economies.

Pending the approval of marine licences, the site will play a pivotal role in the UK’s renewable energy transition.

Scheduled to begin in early 2025, the two-year project includes filling in the current dry-dock basin and constructing a new quay wall, enhancing the site’s capacity for offshore wind and other renewables.