West Lothian Council have given the go ahead for a solar energy project that will power up to 7000 homes with clean, home-grown energy.
Renewable Connections, one of the UK’s leading solar and battery developers, submitted the application for the solar farm and associated battery storage system to the council in May this year.
It is anticipated construction could commence next year.
The 18MW Solar Farm, located to the west of Kirknewton, was approved by delegated powers following a recommendation by West Lothian Council planning officers, on the September 27.
West Lothian Council declared their own climate emergency in September 2019 acknowledging that urgent action is required to limit the environmental impacts produced by the climate crisis.
Selms Muir Solar Farm will make a valuable contribution towards tackling the climate emergency locally and nationally.
Over the 40-year lifespan of the project, the proposed solar farm would displace an estimated 420,000 tonnes of CO2 from fossil fuel sources.
John Lindsay, development manager for Scotland, at Renewable Connections said: “The Scottish Government declared a climate emergency in May 2019 and have set a legally binding target of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045. Solar energy is one of the lowest cost, quickly deployable forms of renewable energy and Selms Muir can help Scotland to meet its ambitious low carbon targets.
He added: “With the implementation of a Green Infrastructure Plan the site will be significantly enhanced for biodiversity by creating a range of new habitats, offering food and shelter to wildlife.”
The scheme will cover approximately 45 hectares of land and is located on land south east of Livingston.
Construction of the solar farm will involve the installation of photovoltaic (PV) panels, which convert sunlight directly into renewable electricity.
The project has been developed by Renewable Connections in partnership with European Energy (EE) and once operational will have a lifespan of up to 40 years.
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