Extreme E is set to make a thrilling return to Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland, for Rounds 3 and 4 of the 2024 season. Following the success of last year's event, the championship will kickstart its European leg on 13-14 July at the historic site of the former Glenmuckloch opencast coal mine on the Queensberry Estate.
The announcement was made today in Edinburgh, near the Scottish Parliament, by Ali Russell, Managing Director of Extreme E, and Kate Forbes, Scotland’s Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for the Economy.
“I am delighted that Extreme E will be returning to Scotland this summer,” said Kate Forbes. “Last year’s Hydro X Prix brought both social and economic benefits to our communities and regional and national economies, while providing a new and exciting platform to showcase the country’s offer to a global audience. Extreme E shares our ambition for sustainability, renewable energy, gender equality, and local conservation, and I am confident that this year’s event will once again demonstrate that Scotland can provide the perfect stage for major, innovative international events like the X Prix.”
In 2023, the picturesque but rugged landscape of the Glenmuckloch site witnessed electrifying races. Sir Lewis Hamilton’s X44 Vida Carbon Racing outfit and E.ON Veloce Racing each secured victories in the two events held there. The area, now undergoing a significant transformation into a Pumped Storage Hydropower (PSH) plant and wind farm under the aegis of Foresight Group's Energy Transition Fund, serves as a symbolic setting for the sport’s advocacy for climate action and sustainable solutions.
Alejandro Agag, Founder and CEO of Extreme E, echoed the excitement about returning to Scotland. “Heading back to the UK and Scotland for the next event of the 2024 Extreme E season is an exciting prospect for our championship. It was a hugely successful event last year, and we cannot wait to return to such a dramatic location for our action-packed racing series, but also one which has sustainability values at its core. Scotland is a strong voice in the adoption of a clean energy future and renewable energy sources, and our Hydro X Prix marks a great opportunity to highlight these important issues that are happening so close to home.”
Scotland’s unique landscape, featuring rugged mountains, rolling hills, and deep valleys, provides a dramatic backdrop for the race. The region’s rich biodiversity includes species such as red deer, golden eagles, otters, and seals, all contributing to its natural allure. However, this environment faces challenges related to climate change, land use, and biodiversity loss. Through various conservation efforts and sustainable development initiatives, these issues are being tackled head-on.
The 2024 Hydro X Prix will once again spotlight these challenges and solutions. Extreme E’s commitment to raising awareness of the climate crisis is reflected in its legacy initiatives, which will continue during this event. These initiatives include re-planting over a thousand trees and utilising innovative technologies from Official Technology Partner Vodafone Business to monitor water quality and temperatures. The long-term goal is to protect the salmon stocks crucial to local industries and contribute to the broader environmental restoration of the River Nith area.
Anna Fergusson, Estate Director at Queensberry Estate, expressed her enthusiasm for the event. “We are delighted to welcome the Extreme E team back to Queensberry Estate for races in their 2024 season. The news of their return is exciting for Buccleuch and the wider Dumfries and Galloway area. The 2023 races at Glenmuckloch were thrilling, and Extreme E’s engagement with local young people and their environmental project on the River Nith have left a lasting legacy. For this year’s Hydro X Prix, Buccleuch will work with the Extreme E team to reach more of the community and help them leave their positive mark on the local area.”
As Extreme E prepares for its return to Scotland, the anticipation builds not just for the spectacular races but also for the event's broader impact. By blending high-octane motorsport with a strong environmental message, the Hydro X Prix in Scotland promises to be a highlight of the 2024 season, inspiring both local and global audiences to embrace a sustainable future.
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