A Bristol-based renewable power developer is preparing to build what would be the biggest solar energy farm in Scotland near Kirkcaldy.
Its outline plans for a 50-MW solar farm would be more than twice as large as the 20-MW project it has already built on the Errol Estate, bordering the Tay estuary near Perth.
Elgin Energy has submitted an outline inquiry to Fife Cooncil regarding a site at the former Randolph colliery, which – if approved – would house around 200,000 solar power panels.
A spokesman for Elgin Energy said: “We only progress suitable developments – which is why we have had a 97% success rate in our planning applications.
“Once operational, this development will be monitored remotely and will not require any permanent staff to be located on site.
“Occasional maintenance activities will be required for cleaning of the solar panels and in the event of panel damage.
“Vegetation will grow under the solar panels and this will require ground maintenance. It is intended that sheep will graze between the solar panels to maintain the field vegetation.
“At the end of the proposed 30-year operational period, the solar farm and its ancillary equipment will be decommissioned, dismantled and removed and the site fully reinstated to the satisfaction of the planning authority.
“Alternatively, we may make an application to extend the operational life of the solar farm.”
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