UK developer Renewable Connections has secured planning permission for solar and battery project in Scotland.
Angus Council has given the go ahead for a solar farm, with battery storage, which will have a capacity of 42MW.
Renewable Connections submitted the application to the Council earlier this year, following a community consultation.
It is anticipated construction could commence in 2025.
Montreathmont Solar Farm, is located 13 km to the east of Forfar and 6 km south of Brechin.
The project was approved unanimously at Angus Council’s Development Standards Committee, on the 13 December 2022 following a recommendation for approval by Council officers.
The addition of the battery storage facilities will enable the renewable energy produced by Montreathmont Solar Farm to be used at different times of day and climatic conditions, helping to balance supply and demand in the grid.
John Lindsay, Development Manager for Scotland, at Renewable Connections said: “Locally this project will make a valuable contribution towards Angus Council’s Sustainable Energy & Climate Action Plan.
“Throughout the development of this project we have engaged extensively with local people, the Council and statutory consultees. The feedback received has helped shape the final design of the project, which includes proposals to greatly enhance the biodiversity of the area, including the creation of new habitats via wildflower meadow planting, as well as the installation of bat and bird boxes, and other ecological enhancement measures.”
The site originally received planning permission for a 42MW solar farm via another developer in November 2015.
In late 2020, Renewable Connections reopened discussions with the landowner and the project was reappraised.
The approved application includes flexibility as to whether a fixed or tracking solar panel mounting system is used in order to maximise the potential energy yield from the site and a commitment to provide a community benefit fund of up to £2000 per MW.
