A £250 million hydro energy scheme at a former Dumfriesshire opencast mine is to be taken forward by a new developer.
Foresight Energy Infrastructure Partners this week agreed a deal with Buccleuch to lease the site of the proposed Glenmuckloch scheme near Kirkconnel in Upper Nithsdale.
Buccleuch’s estate’s executive chairman, Benny Higgins, said: “Buccleuch has long spoken of the immense potential for a PSH (pumped storage hydro) and windfarm project at Glenmuckloch, a project which has been wholly privately funded.
“The project could have an incredibly positive impact on local communities, and also at a national level as we face the climate crisis.
“I am delighted that we have reached a deal with Foresight, who will take the projects forward onto the next steps and, ultimately, to energy generation.
“Our appreciation goes to local communities and stakeholders who have supported us over the last decade and allowed us to get the project to a stage where it can enter its next phase.”
Since the collapse of mining operator ATH Resources in 2013, Buccleuch said it has “worked tirelessly” to avert a “potential environmental calamity” at the site.
In conjunction with a range of partners, it planned a long-term future for Glenmuckloch through the construction of a pumped storage hydro plant and a windfarm.
Earlier this year Buccleuch secured Scottish Government approval to extend planning permission for the development until 2027.
It is estimated that the scheme will need hundreds of workers during construction and, once up and running, will create up to 15 long-term jobs.
South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth said: “It’s been a very long time coming but this is welcome news and will provide a badly needed job boosts to communities in Upper Nithsdale.
“I hope the move is game-changing in kick starting the debate on the need for new pumped storage hydro which is too often forgotten when it comes to the transition to net zero.
