Aberdeen-based BWE Partnership has announced that work is set to commence on the construction of one of Scotland’s first commercial-scale solar parks, New Mains of Guynd Solar Park The PV plant will be located on farmland in Carmyllie, Arbroath.
BWE Partnership is set to begin construction of a 9.5 MW, ground-mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) park on the 50 acre site at the end of 2015. Once complete, the project will have the potential to produce enough energy to power around 6,670 homes -- the equivalent to a town the size of Montrose.
New Mains of Guynd Solar Park will be located on land leased from Robert and Brenda Jackson, who farm the property. The project has all of the appropriate legal agreements in place, including full planning permission granted by Angus Council in October 2014. Furthermore, BWE Partnership has secured a 9.5 MW connection agreement with Scottish Hydro Electric Power Distribution.
“This is an exciting time for BWE Partnership as we enter the construction stage of delivering what we believe is Scotland’s first large commercial solar park," said Ron Shanks, the owner of
BWE Partnership, “Scotland continues to build a strong reputation in the renewable energy sector, and the build of this solar park will represent a significant step forward. We hope solar in Scotland will help to complement onshore wind in providing renewable energy for our country and look forward to this project coming to fruition.”
Kevin Jackson, partner of the family farm, said: “I am delighted that New Mains of Guynd is playing a key part in this large scale development for renewables in Scotland. This agreement with BWE Partnership will allow us to maximise income generation from our land without hindering day-to-day activities. I’m looking forward to seeing the solar park installed and operating.”
With green energy generation meeting the equivalent of almost half of Scotland’s needs in 2014, it has recently emerged as the country’s largest source of power. The UK government has also hailed solar PV as an instrumental part of reaching renewables targets laid out for 2020.
Solar energy is not only important to Scotland’s energy industry but provides an excellent opportunity for landowners to enhance and diversify their income. BWE Partnership works closely with landowners to identify if a potential site meets a number of requirements, such as irradiance levels, grid connection and whether it is likely to receive planning permission. Successful sites can benefit from a monthly rental over a 25-year-period to house a solar park, and can simultaneously utilise the land for grazing.
The New Mains of Guynd solar park is on schedule to be constructed and generating electricity early next year.