Scotland's largest solar park project, New Mains of Guynd, has commenced following a £10million investment.
The 9.5MW, ground-mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) park located at Carmyllie, Arbroath, will be constructed in two operational phases, with final completion expected by June 2016.
Ron Shanks, owner of BWE Partnership, said: “Planning permission was granted for the 50 acre site in October last year and construction is now well underway. The first 5MW phase will be completed and producing power by the end of December this year, with the second phase due to be completed by next summer.
“We are delighted to have formed a strong team with British Solar Renewables to get this project in the ground and operational. It is a team that I am confident will deliver further ground-mounted solar PV projects in Scotland. BSR is taking the lead as the engineering, procurement and construction contractor and acting as the development manager, as well as our independent connection provider, through its subsidiary Renewable Energy Connections.
“At a time when proposed changes to solar subsidies throughout the UK are having a significant impact on future projects, I am extremely proud that BWE Partnership is one of the few companies in the market not only seeking development opportunities, but actually executing these projects from concept to completion.”
Commenting on behalf of British Solar Renewables, David Peill, commercial director said: “The construction and development of Scotland’s largest commercial-scale solar park is a fantastic project to be involved with and we are delighted to be part of the team making the development a reality.
“It is extremely important to us to work with companies in the area and we are utilising a supply chain comprising several local businesses which are able to provide the high quality materials and services required.”
Mr Shanks added: “Whilst the changes to government subsidies have caused uncertainty around future solar projects, we expect the position to become much clearer early 2016. BWE Partnership continues to seek land for large solar energy developments in the east of Scotland with particular interest in opportunities within east Angus, east Aberdeenshire and in Fife. Other areas of Scotland could also be of interest provided they have suitable levels of irradiation and grid availability.”
