BY DARA BUTTERFIELD
Aberdeen-based BWE Partnership has announced that it has been granted full planning permission for its second solar park project to be built in Kinblethmont Estate near Arbroath, Angus.
Work on the 5MW ground mounted large solar PV project is set to begin in early December on the 26 acre site and when complete the solar park should produce enough energy to power around 3500 homes.
Ron Shanks, owner, BWE Partnership, told Renewable Energy Focus: “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 landowners 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.”
The 3000 acre Kinblethmont Estate is owned by Robert Ramsay who has invested in biomass, solar and wind technologies for the site over the last few years.
Ramsay told Renewable Energy Focus: “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 is continuing to look for solar development opportunities in Scotland, particularly in east Angus, east Aberdeenshire and in Fife.
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