The Three Towns could potentially be set for a STEP fusion power plant which could bring over 500 new jobs to the area.

Ardeer will be considered by the UK Government and Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) as a potential site for a prototype fusion power station known as STEP (Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production).

North Ayrshire’s Cabinet were asked to endorse the nomination this week, after Chief Executive Craig Hatton took the decision under delegated powers during the pandemic to support the nomination of Ardeer.

Stevenston Labour Councillor Jimmy Miller said: “We had a meeting and they explained what it was all about. We’re hoping it could be between 500-700 jobs but there’s not much meat on the bones yet.

“It’s very early days but I think it’s a great idea with the jobs that would come. One of the greatest things I like about it, is fusion is ever so safe, it’s not like nuclear and you can flick a switch and it take between five or six seconds to switch off while nuclear takes days and you get these accidents happening with the time it takes.

“One of my concerns would be the safety aspect but it was explained how fusion works. It does sound good but we’ll need to see more before there’s any decision. Anything that brings jobs into the area has got to be good.”

SNP Cllr Davina McTiernan said: “Fusion energy is a developing technology with huge potential benefits, particularly in tackling the challenges of climate change and the need to reduce our dependency on fossil fuels.

“We are still at the early stages of what will be a very competitive bidding process but this is an exciting proposal with the potential to bring significant economic benefits and much needed skilled employment opportunities.”

Labour Cllr John Sweeney said: “I was fortunate to attend the online Ardeer Fusion Engagement Event on August 17. Although, still early in the process I am delighted that Ardeer is one of fifteen sites long listed. There are certainly huge socio-economic benefits including local job creation and skills, expansion of local supply chains and business bases.

“Supporting economic growth and the training of skilled people and placement into work is imperative for the area and I also welcomed the assurance that there would be no compromise to the Environmental Sites nearby.”

A final three sites will be selected by end of 2021 then scrutinised in 2022. UKAEA will make recommendations to the UK Minister in Summer 2022 with a final decision by the end of 2022.