Published: 15 Dec 2022, 11:19
Plans for the Montreathmont solar farm also include a community benefit fund of up to £84,000. Image: Pixabay.
Planning permission submitted by solar and battery developer Renewable Connections, for a 42MW solar and battery storage project in Montreathmont, Scotland, has received unanimous approval from Angus Council’s Development and Standards.
The addition of battery storage facilities will allow electricity generated by Montreathmont solar farm – located 13km east of Forfar and 6km south of Brechin – to be used at night, as well as during various climatic conditions. This will support the balance of supply and demand in the grid.
The approved plans have a flexible approach as to whether a tracking or fixed solar panel mounting system is used so as to bolster the sites potential energy yield.
Also included in the project is a community benefit fund of up to £84,000 (£2,000 per MW) which will be paid out throughout its 40-year life span.
“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,” said John Lindsay, development manager for Scotland, at Renewable Connections.
Construction of Montreathmont solar farm is expected to being in 2025.
Earlier this year Renewable Connections gained planning permission for a 50MW solar farm in Lincolnshire.