A £150 million (US$190 million) upgrade to a marine yard in the Ayrshire area in southwestern Scotland has been awarded planning permission, allowing for the expansion of offshore renewables support facilities.
Port operator Peel Ports Clydeport has secured permission for the complete redevelopment of the Hunterston marine yard as it prepares the site for major renewables infrastructure. The redevelopment works – which are scheduled to start in early 2025 and last for around two years – will include substantial upgrades to the marine yard, including infilling the current dry-dock basin and the creation of a new quay wall.
Highview Power recently announced it is to construct the world’s largest Liquid Air Energy Storage (LAES) facility at Hunterston, the latest in a series of renewables projects that are either underway, or in the pipeline, at the site.
In addition to the planning permission granted recently, the next step would be to secure the necessary marine licences, for which consultation is well underway. The works can commence once the licences are secured.
The redevelopment will continue the transformation of the former Hunterston coal terminal into a renewable energy hub.