LOCAL MP David Mundell has been invited to talks about the potential for a prototype fusion power plant at Chapelcross.
The Annan site was one of 15 locations across the UK recently revealed as being under consideration.
Mr Mundell will be briefed by a senior official from the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) project team who aim for an experimental reactor to be in operation on one of the sites within two decades.
Fusion is considered greener, cleaner and safer than current nuclear power generation and is based in simplified terms on creating energy, like the sun, through forcing atoms together.
The Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale representative welcomed the sprawling former nuclear power station site's successful nomination after being put forward as a candidate by South of Scotland Enterprise.
Mr Mundell said: "It must be stressed that the selection process is at a very early stage but I firmly believe that Chapelcross would be a logical choice for a number of reasons.
"It has the land, existing infrastructure and is located near to the national grid interconnector.
"The Annan community has largely been supportive of pioneering power generation in the past and there remains a pool of skills and knowledge in the area.
"Site preparation and construction work could create quality jobs in the early stages and once such a plant was operational further scientific and other professional people would be attracted to the area."
The MP is due to meet Tristram Denton, head of commercial and programme development with the UKAE's Spherical Tomamak for Energy Production team, who are tasked with helping identify a suitable site.
In a letter to Mr Mundell, Mr Denton pledged transparency during the short-listing process over the coming months.
The MP concluded: "I'm delighted the Chapelcross hat is rightfully in the ring as I believe such a development, in principle, would be very good for the local economy.
"Like most people though I will reserve final judgement until when I know more details of what would be involved should the local site be chosen."