Renewco Power, in collaboration with development partner Locogen, announced today that planning permission has been granted for a groundbreaking solar and battery storage project in Fife, Scotland.
The £50 million initiative, known as the Glenniston Solar Farm, received approval following an extensive consultation period with local communities and experts from various councils. This solar farm, combined with co-located battery storage, is set to have a generating capacity of 39MW.
Clara Thompson, Senior Developer at Renewco, expressed enthusiasm about the project’s milestone, stating, “This is a significant achievement for the project, and we are thrilled that Fife Council has acknowledged the numerous environmental, social, and economic advantages of solar energy. We eagerly anticipate the project’s substantial contribution to the UK’s transition to green energy in the years ahead.”
Renewco estimates that the Glenniston Solar Farm could provide electricity for approximately 18,000 homes, resulting in an annual carbon emission reduction of around 22,590 tonnes. Additionally, the project aims to incorporate biodiversity enhancements, establish a local annual community benefit fund of approximately £23,400, and contribute business rates to support the broader Fife community.
Stuart Hamilton, Head of Developments at Locogen, expressed delight at receiving planning approval for the solar farm, emphasizing the cost-effectiveness and rapid deployment potential of solar energy. Hamilton stated, “Solar energy is one of the lowest-cost and quickly deployable forms of renewable energy. We look forward to advancing to the next phases of the project and continuing our engagement with the local community.”
Despite recent setbacks in the Scottish government’s commitment to its 2030 emissions target, faith in solar energy remains strong. Research conducted by Independent Advisor indicates a significant increase of over 37% in solar installations across the UK in the past year.
Fife already hosts TagEnergy’s 49.9MW/99.8MWh Pitkevy facility, and British Gas has expanded its solar provisions into the region as well.
In 2021, Solar Power Portal reported Renewco’s ambitious goal of developing over 4GW of solar capacity within five years, leveraging an initial £24 million funding from SSE. Since its inception, Renewco has amassed a pipeline of 5GW from 50 projects.