There is now widespread recognition that the UK, and the rest of the world, is in a climate emergency. Scotland is committed to achieving net zero by 2045. As part of this progression towards decarbonisation and reducing reliance on fossil fuels, there is a need to invest in renewable technology and make the UK an independent and self-sufficient energy-producing nation.

Solar is one of the cheapest sources of new electricity generation, and therefore will play a key role in improving Scotland’s energy security, while supporting the transition away from fossil fuels. Angus is also one of the sunniest places in Scotland, making it ideal for solar farms.

As Scotland strives to be a net-zero carbon economy by 2045, solar is not just an option, it is a necessity as part of a balanced energy mix. Solar is a great resource to assist in this transition as it is free and an inexhaustible resource.

Our current power system still relies heavily on fossil fuels, such as gas. The volatile price of these is the reason that bills have increased so rapidly in recent months. The need to rapidly scale up home grown energy has become even more urgent.

Solar energy enables electricity generation without reliance on imports and is not subject to sudden price fluctuations or the uncertainty of global markets. Alongside other renewable technologies, solar is now the cheapest source of electricity generation.

Solar is a free and inexhaustible resource which has an important role to play as part of a balanced energy mix. If consented, Bonnyknox Solar Farm would be capable of producing clean, green electricity for approximately 15,000¹ homes every year, and is estimated to save around 30,000² tonnes of CO2 emissions compared to the equivalent fossil fuel generation, every year.

Following conversations with members of the community, our proposal includes plans to install new water pipes around the perimeter of the solar farm, replacing the current private water supplies serving two of the site neighbours. This will safeguard the water supply access for these properties, and improve the quality of the pipes by upgrading them from clay to plastic. This improvement will not only support the needs of the project but also provide long-term benefits to the surrounding community by modernising essential utilities.

As part of the proposal, we are also committed to enhancing the local road network around the site. This includes plans for indicative passing places on public roads, along with further upgrades to the private road network serving nearby properties, all of which will be discussed with the local authority should the project receive consent. These significant improvements have been directly informed by community feedback, offering additional benefits to the local area.

The Bonnyknox Solar Farm proposal includes a comprehensive Landscape and Ecological Management Plan. The measures within this plan would not only reduce potential visibility of the solar farm but also provide wildlife corridors and vital resources for mammals, birds, and insect species.

A detailed Land Classification for Agriculture Report accompanies the planning application and shows that the area is made up of a mix of Class 3.1, 3.2 and 4.1, with most of the site being Lower Class 3.1 (50%). Soil classification can be influenced by farming practices, for example potato cultivation at this Site, which alters topsoil depth and can artificially elevate land grades.

The Proposed Development has been designed as a dual-purpose development, integrating renewable energy with sheep farming. This supports rural employment, strengthens local economies, and creates a more diverse ecological landscape. Grazing sheep help maintain habitats for wildlife while continuing food production.

Moreover, where solar farms replace intensively farmed land, they allow the soil to regenerate while providing a stable income for farmers. By improving soil quality, solar farms contribute to the availability of high-quality agricultural land for future generations.

The solar farm could deliver direct benefit to the area – generating jobs during construction and decommissioning. Inward investment can be significant as a range of services will be required including haulage, on-site welfare facilities, refuse and recycling facilities, transport and local accommodation for construction workers. In addition, the solar farm would deliver a Community Benefit fund, helping to fund local initiatives and projects.

If, having read the above, you would like to support the project, or submit any kind of representation, you can do so by submitting a comment online via the Angus Council planning portal. The planning reference is 25/00339/FULM and should be included in all correspondence. 

^{1 The homes figure has been calculated by taking the predicted annual electricity generation of the site (using an average solar capacity factor of 11.2%) and dividing this by the annual average electricity figures from DESNZ showing that the annual GB average domestic household consumption is 3,239 kWh (January 2024).}

^{2 RES uses DESNZ’s “all non-renewable fuels” emissions statistic of 424 tonnes of carbon dioxide per GWh of electricity supplied in the Digest of UK Energy Statistics (July 2023) Table 5.14 (“Estimated carbon dioxide emissions from electricity supplied”) to calculate carbon reduction. Carbon reduction is calculated by multiplying the total amount of electricity generated by the solar farm per year by the number of tonnes of carbon which fossil fuels would have produced to generate the same amount of electricity.}