Kinblethmont solar park will be a 5MW ground mounted, large solar PV project on farmland across a 26 acre site. The 3000 acre estate (comprising arable farming and woodland), is owned by Robert Ramsay who has invested in biomass, solar and wind technologies for the site over the last few years.
Full planning permission for the project was granted by Angus Council in September 2015 and construction is due to begin in early December. The solar park will produce enough energy to power around 3500 homes.
Ron Shanks, owner of BWE Partnership, said: “The construction of our first large-scale commercial solar park is well underway and we’re delighted to have secured our second project, which is also our first site within an estate. Potential sites have to meet a number of requirements and this site was specifically selected for development because of its excellent levels of irradiance and simple electricity grid connection.
“As specialists in energy development, we understand the potential solar energy has for land owners to maximise their income generation through land diversification. Most importantly, the installation of a solar park contributes to green energy generation which continues to be a vital source of power for Scotland’s energy industry.”
Robert Ramsay, owner of Kinblethmont Estate said: “Being eco-friendly is extremely important and we should always be looking for sustainable, economical solutions. I’ve been an advocate of renewable energy and low carbon farming for a long time and already utilise green energy technologies on the estate.
“I like to think that this is one of the sunniest fields in Scotland and will be the perfect site for a solar park. Additionally, the land will see improvements for farming and grazing due to the rest period. Ultimately, I intend to raise a rare sheep breed and also plant a grass sward rich in a variety of species, including red clover which will help bees with pollination.”
BWE Partnership continues to look for land for large solar energy developments in the east of Scotland with particular interest in opportunities within east Angus, east Aberdeenshire and in Fife. Other areas of Scotland could also be of interest provided they have suitable levels of irradiation and grid availability.