BWE Partnership, an Aberdeen-based firm which specialises in renewable energy generation from solar irradiation, has submitted a planning application for the installation of a solar energy park at New Mains of Guynd Farm in Arbroath.
The 19.54 hectare project is set to be home to one of Scotland’s first commercial-scale solar energy parks, bringing significant investment to the Angus area and making a valuable contribution to the Scottish and UK targets for renewable electricity generation.
Under the plans, part of New Mains of Guynd Farm in Angus will be transformed into a park for solar energy production for a period of 25 years, after which the components will be removed. The system will operate with a capacity of 9.5 megawatts, providing enough electricity to power 2,500 homes.
Ron Shanks, Managing Partner of BWE Partnership, said, “We are pleased to have reached the planning application stage in the development process and hopefully our proposal will be viewed favourably by Angus Council and the local community. We continue to be on the look-out for further solar park opportunities, especially in Angus and Fife, as we believe there is a real opportunity for Scotland to harvest energy from the daylight.”
JLL provided planning and development advice on behalf of BWE Partnership.
Steven Black, Director of Planning and Development for JLL,said, “Whilst the idea of farming sunshine in Scotland may seem odd to some people, the lower intensity of sunlight is compensated for by longer hours of daylight, making solar power a viable resource of renewable energy north of the border. As one of the first developers to submit plans for such a site in Scotland, the park will provide a model for solar energy in rural areas. Not only will it help contribute to the UK and Scottish Government’s renewable energy targets, but it will bring significant investment into the local area, providing employment opportunities and supporting rural diversification.”
