SSE Energy Solutions is to build a 7-megawatt solar array on the Ochil Hills overlooking Highland Spring’s Perthshire production facility to help power the company’s operations.
The 23-acre project will supply up to a quarter of the Blackford facilities’ electricity needs with construction due to start in the summer – with the solar firm expected to be fully operational by early 2026.
In addition to powering the manufacturing site and offices, the project is tipped to benefit the local community through a ‘low-impact design’ and free electricity for Blackford Primary School, which currently uses oil for its central heating allowing it to decarbonise.
The solar project is part of SSE’s net zero acceleration programme plus, through which the group is investing £20 billion in green energy projects by 2030.
In recent years Highland Spring Group has accelerated its business decarbonisation roadmap, delivering projects and initiatives in collaboration with customers and partners which reduce emissions across their entire operations.
Stuart Batty, SSE Energy Solutions senior project development, said, “This partnership with Highland Spring marks a key step in Scotland’s renewable energy journey. By uniting our expertise with Highland Spring’s sustainable leadership, the 7MW solar project is a fantastic example of local power in action, decarbonising businesses and enhancing energy resilience for the community.”
Jim Fairlie, MSP for Perthshire South and Kinross-shire, added, “Highland Spring is an important local employer which has done a power of work in recent years to decarbonise. I welcome this partnership between Highland Spring and SSE Energy Solutions, and the community benefit that it will bring both for the school and for the community through the EV chargers.”
Simon Oldham, MD of Highland Spring Group, commented, “Environmental and social responsibility have always been at the heart of our purpose and this project not only positively supports our sustainability strategy but our good neighbour programme too. Harnessing the renewable energy transition is a key part of our journey towards a zero-carbon future, and we are delighted to have collaborated with SSE to bring this solar site to life.”
