Cumnock could become home to a £24million energy research centre with its headquarters situated at Underwood near Barony campus in the town, if plans set out by councillors go ahead.

The National Energy Research and Demonstration (NERD) project would see Cumnock generate its own power for residents, becoming a low carbon town as a result.

The project also aims to bring a jobs boost and business growth for the area as it is one of a number of projects coming to the county thanks to the £250million Ayrshire Growth Deal investment. 

READ MORE: New Barony Campus in Cumnock will be ready for October

Ballochmyle councillor Neil McGhee said he hoped people will be able to “latch on” to the huge energy project in the heart of East Ayrshire's former mining territory. 

Mr McGhee said: “It is all very important in this area where there is so little work. We are excited to hear what the outcome is.”

Cumnock Chronicle: Commenting on the energy centre location, Councillor McGhee said Underwood is one potential option being considered but that he wants definite information on what shape the scheme will take. 

Council officers are working in partnership with Strathclyde University, British Geological Survey and Scottish Power Energy Networks to develop the project.

The purpose built  ‘Centre of Excellence’  will see researchers and business work together to find renewable solutions to enhancing the existing grid, with a paper on the matter presented to councillors at a council executive committee meeting last month.

The paper revealed more information about “demonstrator” schemes being rolled out as part of NERD with one potential scheme including getting businesses involved in developing climate change products to sell.

Another possibility is a push for electric heating with plans for heat pumps, thermal storage and smart technologies to be installed in off gas grid homes in East Ayrshire and elsewhere. 

Cumnock Chronicle:

A third spin-off idea would see excess wind energy produced in the Cumnock area being used to power electric vehicle charging points as well as an historic building in Mauchline kitted out with renewable energy technology and smart systems to make it as low carbon as possible. 

A paper presented to politicians said: “The early Demonstrator projects and NERD project give the council a unique opportunity to be at the forefront in helping our communities transition to a low carbon future and contributing to the Scottish Government’s climate emissions targets.

“The NERD project will stimulate the local energy economy by providing high skilled jobs in the energy sector for East Ayrshire communities.”

The UK Government is investing £17million in NERD while £7.5million is coming from East Ayrshire Council.

Councillors signed off all the work in progress at the executive committee on June 30.

The council plans to hold further consultation with residents.