A £250 million hydro power scheme at a former Dumfriesshire opencast mine is to be taken ahead by a brand new developer.
Foresight Power Infrastructure Companions this week agreed a take care of Buccleuch to lease the location of the proposed Glenmuckloch scheme close to Kirkconnel in Higher Nithsdale.
Buccleuch’s property’s govt chairman, Benny Higgins, mentioned: “Buccleuch has lengthy spoken of the immense potential for a PSH (pumped storage hydro) and windfarm mission at Glenmuckloch, a mission which has been wholly privately funded.
“The mission may have an extremely optimistic influence on native communities, and in addition at a nationwide degree as we face the local weather disaster.
“I'm delighted that we've got reached a take care of Foresight, who will take the tasks ahead onto the following steps and, finally, to power era.
“Our appreciation goes to native communities and stakeholders who've supported us over the past decade and allowed us to get the mission to a stage the place it may well enter its subsequent section.”
For the reason that collapse of mining operator ATH Assets in 2013, Buccleuch mentioned it has “labored tirelessly” to avert a “potential environmental calamity” on the web site.
Along with a variety of companions, it deliberate a long-term future for Glenmuckloch by means of the development of a pumped storage hydro plant and a windfarm.
Earlier this yr Buccleuch secured Scottish Authorities approval to increase planning permission for the event till 2027.
It's estimated that the scheme will want tons of of staff throughout development and, as soon as up and working, will create as much as 15 long-term jobs.
South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth mentioned: “It’s been a really very long time coming however that is welcome information and can present a badly wanted job boosts to communities in Higher Nithsdale.
“I hope the transfer is game-changing in kick beginning the controversy on the necessity for brand spanking new pumped storage hydro which is just too typically forgotten in relation to the transition to web zero.