PLANNING permission has been secured for a £150 million upgrade to a marine yard at Hunterston, paving the way for increased offshore wind power off the west coast.

Peel Ports Clydeport has secured approval for the complete redevelopment of the North Ayrshire site as it prepares the area for major renewables infrastructure.

The redevelopment works – which are expected 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 facility at Hunterston, the latest in a string of renewables projects that are either under way, or in the pipeline, at the site.

The overall redevelopment of Hunterston is expected to attract £3.5bn in inward investment and create more than 5,000 jobs.

Green light for redevelopment of marine yard is key to renewable projectsGreen light for redevelopment of marine yard is key to renewable projects (Image: Big Partnership)

Lewis McIntyre, managing director – port services at Peel Ports Group, said: “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. It also proves that the west coast is going to play a huge role in renewables.

“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. The knock-on benefits for the local and national economies are also significant.

"We look forward to working with the policymaking community to create the investment conditions we need to replicate the success of Hunterston at other sites across the country.”

In addition to the planning permission granted, the final hurdle of the redevelopment will be to secure the necessary marine licences, for which consultation is well under way, and once secured the works can commence.

Peel Ports say a 'major hurdle' has been achieved in redevelopment of former marine yardPeel Ports say a 'major hurdle' has been achieved in redevelopment of marine yard (Image: Big Partnership)

The redevelopment will continue the transformation of the former Hunterston coal terminal site.

Of the 350 acres being redeveloped, some 90 per cent of the site is already under option, supporting energy transition projects such as HVDC cable manufacturing, the UK’s first hub for the manufacturing of gravity base structures, power generation and storage.

Aerial perspective of how Hunterston will look under Peel Ports plansAerial perspective of how Hunterston will look under Peel Ports plans (Image: Big Partnership)