A former opencast coalmine in southern Scotland will be used as a racetrack for the all-electric Extreme E series in May – highlighting the change from fossil fuels to clean energy.

The Glenmuckloch mine in Dumfries and Galloway is due to be transformed into a pumped storage hydropower (PSH) plant and wind farm.

"We could not have found a more perfect racing site," said Extreme E founder Alejandro Agag in a statement announcing the May 13-14 Hydro X Prix.

"Not only will this site provide one of the most dramatic and extreme race courses we have seen in our global journey, it will tell a poignant story about transition and the changing of courses that the energy industry and communities must all take if we are to succeed in the fight against climate change."

Extreme E, with identical SUVs and male and female drivers in every lineup, launched in 2021 as an off-road zero-emission rally series.

It aims to raise awareness about climate change and promote sustainability by racing in remote and damaged environments around the world.

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Seven times Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton has a team in the series, as do retired F1 champions Jenson Button and Nico Rosberg.

Catie Munnings, of the Andretti Altawkilat Extreme E team, said: "There's always something unique about every Extreme E course but racing in a location like this which is close to home will be something special for me and the team. I've heard the track will be a combination of both fast sections on grass, as well as drops into a quarry which will be really interesting to see."

Once constructed, the Pump Storage Hydropower plant will have a capacity which can be delivered at a rate of 210 MW per hour, providing eight hours of storage capacity. 1MW is enough to supply the average power requirement for 2,000 homes for an hour.

Utilizing two 105 MW reversible hydro-turbines, the site will store power during periods of excess energy supply and release stored energy at times of peak demand.

The wind farm being built in conjunction with the plant will comprise of eight 4.2 MW turbines and have the ability, via a direct connection, to power the Pump Storage Hydropower plant.

The Glenmuckloch pit closed operations in 2016.

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