Aberdeenshire set for Scotland's largest solar farm

Aberdeenshire could be set to home the largest solar farm in the country after plans were put forward by an Irish energy firm.

The 260-acre site, near St. Fergus, would have the capability to power more than 15,000 homes or 20,000 vehicles each year, once fully operational.

The plans, proposed by Elgin Energy, would just 16 weeks to build with the site operating for 40 years, before the equipment would be decommissioned, dismantled and removed.

"An exciting industry"

Ryan Crighton, Director of Policy and Marketing at Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce, believes solar power is the next step in energy transition in the region.

"We've seen energy transition here in the North East of Scotland for a number of years now. Clearly, there's heavy investment in off-shore winds and now we've got BP investing in hydrogen alongside Aberdeen City Council.

"Solar is something which has been broadly missing from the mix so far, however, clearly there is potential with long daylight hours here for a solar industry - it's an exciting industry."

The solar industry in America now employs more people than its oil and gas sector, with a director at Elgin Energy previously stating he feels Scotland has similar potential.

Crighton added: "Clearly the US has a bit more sun than us, but there is still potential here for a substantial industry to be built.

"The solar panels are going to be visible from quite a distance, but we feel that the economic benefit will outweigh any detriment that they may cause".

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