SSE Energy Solutions has entered into a strategic collaboration with the proprietors of Hunterston Port and Resource Campus (Hunterston PARC) in Scotland to supply sustainable energy for the envisioned expansion.
Peel Ports Group, the second-largest port operator in the United Kingdom, is in the process of establishing a substantial energy and marine center spanning over 1.2 million m² within the expansive Clydeport facility in Ayrshire.
Within the framework of this development project, SSE will be responsible for furnishing the necessary infrastructure and renewable energy to support the park’s operational needs.
The port operator’s vision is to create a business park which will bring together leading industry operators, world-class academics and innovators to deliver technological advances in areas such as power generation and aquaculture.
The Scottish Government has set a target date for net zero emissions of all greenhouse gases by 2045 and SSE has an ambitious US$15.1 billion capital investment plan to accelerate progress towards net zero over the next five years up to 2026, the majority of which will go to low-carbon infrastructure.
Nathan Sanders, managing director at SSE Energy Solutions, commented, “The Hunterston PARC project aligns perfectly with our Just Transition and Social Value strategies. We believe in working closely with communities and local businesses to tackle climate change and this development will bring jobs and investment to the West of Scotland, as well as contributing to the UK’s net zero ambitions.”
The Hunterston site features a deep-water port, has on-site rail connectivity and crucially it is already connected to the national grid. Earlier this year, the site was also granted national development status under the Scottish Government’s National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4), creating opportunities for a slew of new renewable energy developments to come onstream.
The port group previously announced a long-term deal with sub-sea cabling company XLCC for a major facility at Hunterston PARC to include two factories.
Peel Ports Group is committed to becoming net-zero across all its sites by 2040.
