Local MSP Craig Hoy has visited the Chapelcross power station site near Annan where he met with site manager Richard Murray, local staff and apprentices.
Chapelcross is a former nuclear power plant near Annan and is one of the sites being safely and securely decommissioned by Nuclear Restoration Services (NRS), a subsidiary of the NDA. Mr Hoy learned about the work of the NDA and the positive impact the site has on the local economy and community.
Mr Hoy toured the site and was given a history of power production as well as learning about the Chapelcross masterplan, including the planned development of a hydrogen campus. There are currently over 200 people employed by Chapelcross, with other contractors being drafted in regularly, contributing to the local supply chain.
Speaking after the visit Craig said: “It was great to meet the team at Chapelcross to learn about the work they are doing to safely decommission the site, turning it from a vital energy production site to a net-zero energy focussed development employing local people.
“The decommissioning process will continue for many decades, and I was particularly impressed with the way that the workforce carries out their work. Chapelcross develops skills and employment opportunities for local people, and it was great to meet local apprentices who have learned both on the job and at college.”
The Chapelcross nuclear facility stopped producing energy in 2004 and the station has made a huge contribution to the energy sector over the course of its lifespan. Apprenticeships are important to the NDA and Mr Hoy was pleased to meet several workers that started as apprentices during his visit.
Craig also welcomed the masterplan for a multi-million pound, net-zero focused development includes plans for hydrogen production storage, advanced manufacturing, and energy and enterprise campuses. The NDA says the development of the hub will drive growth in the local economy, attracting high value jobs, skills and activities in the green energy industry to the area.
He added: “It is essential that we have a diverse energy mix, and I support new nuclear power, including small modular reactors. The Scottish Government must stop its presumption against new nuclear and I will continue to push ministers to drop their naive opposition to next generation nuclear energy.”