Aberdeenshire Council have given the go ahead for a solar energy project that will power up to 6000 homes with clean, home-grown energy. Renewable Connections, one of the UK’s leading solar and battery developers, submitted the application to the Council in April this year. It is anticipated construction could commence next year.
- Kincraig Solar Farm will generate up to 21 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy
- Approved unanimously by Aberdeenshire Council committee on 4th October
- Community benefit fund of up to £42,000
The 21 MW Solar Farm, South of Ellon, Aberdeenshire, was approved unanimously by Formartine Area Committee of Aberdeenshire Council on the 4th of October 2022 following a recommendation for approval by Council officers.
Kincraig Solar Farm will make a valuable contribution towards Aberdeenshire Council’s target of 44% net reduction in carbon emissions by 2025, as well as tackling the climate emergency locally and nationally. Over the 40-year lifespan of the project, the proposed solar farm would displace an estimated 380,000 tonnes of CO2 from fossil fuel sources.
John Lindsay, Development Manager for Scotland, at Renewable Connections said: “The Scottish government declared a climate emergency in May 2019 and have set a legally binding target of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045. Solar energy is one of the lowest cost, quickly deployable forms of renewable energy.
He added: “Throughout the project development of Kincraig Solar Farm we engaged extensively with local people, the Council and statutory consultees. The feedback received helped shape the final design of the Solar Farm, which includes proposals to greatly enhance the biodiversity of the area.”
The scheme will cover approximately 36 hectares of land and is located on land at Kincraig Farm to the South of Ellon. Construction of the solar farm will involve the installation of photovoltaic (PV) panels, which convert sunlight directly into renewable electricity. The project has been developed by Renewable Connections in partnership with European Energy (EE) and once operational will have a lifespan of up to forty years.
For more information go to: www.kincraigfarmsolar.com