Carse of Gowrie residents will get their first chance to see plans for Scotland’s second largest solar farm project and meet with the design team in September.
Project details
Perthshire politicians recently met with developers behind the proposal to create a 500MW solar farm and 100MW battery energy storage system on a large expanse of land between Errol and Inchture.
Local councillors shared the “very real concerns” of local residents about the scale of the development.
According to developers Aukera (Halfway Energy Park – An AUKERA Company), there will be two public consultation events in September, followed by two follow-up events in November, following the feedback from the September events.
Comparison and capacity
It’s understood the project, if approved, would be the second-largest solar farm project in Scotland.
The proposed Wyseby Hill Energy Farm development on land near Chapelknowe in Dumfries and Galloway is larger. Its proposed giant solar farm and battery energy storage system would have a maximum export capacity of one gigawatt (GW) powering roughly 197,000 homes.
If consented, Aukera says its Halfway Energy Park project will have a generating capacity of up to 500MW “producing enough clean electricity to provide just under five per cent of Scotland’s non-domestic energy use per year”.
Developer's statement
Senior development manager Gabriel English said: “Halfway Energy Park is a newly-proposed renewable energy development in the Carse of Gowrie, comprising a 500MW ground-mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) farm and a co-located 100MW battery energy storage system (BESS).
“The project has the potential to make a significant contribution to Scotland’s climate targets and economy.
“The proposals are currently at an early stage, and a scoping request has recently been submitted to the Scottish Government’s Energy Consents Unit (ECU) ahead of any formal planning application.
“We have written to local residents to let them know about our upcoming programme of public consultation events, and we look forward to hearing their views as our proposals develop.
“We’re grateful to the elected representatives who have taken the time to meet with us so far, and we look forward to continuing our engagement with local communities and other stakeholders in the weeks ahead.”
Local councillors' reaction
Labour councillor Alasdair Bailey took the opportunity to meet with the developer last week.
Bailie Bailey said: “I met with the developer last week and shared the very real concerns that I’ve heard from people living here in the Carse, especially about the size of the development and the impact it will have on our beautiful landscape.
“I was reassured to hear that they’ll be sending their design team to attend two public exhibitions in September. That will be a good opportunity for us to give feedback directly and before the proposal is finalised.
“It is, however, still only a proposal and we’ll get the chance to put formal comments to the Scottish Government’s Energy Consents Unit who decide the application next year once it’s formally lodged.”
Conservative Carse of Gowrie councillor Angus Forbes described his meeting with the developer – alongside Mid Scotland Fife and Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser – as “very productive” and encouraged the local community to attend the public consultation events.
Cllr Forbes said: “I had a very productive meeting with representatives of the developers, they were open with me about their planned timescales and the background to the scheme which was helpful.
“I have explained my strong concerns about the scale of the proposed development and how it will fundamentally change the Carse of Gowrie for a generation or even longer.
“They have committed to two community engagement sessions in September and they will be publicising these over the next week or so.
“I would encourage all members of the community to attend those sessions, the developers tell me they are keen to listen to feedback and this may be one of the few options we have to make suggestions or ask for changes before they submit their planning application.
“I was surprised to learn that they hope to be submitting their planning application in March which is much earlier than I had expected and they expect the application process to take around 12 months.”
MSP's call
Murdo Fraser MSP is calling on the Scottish Government to listen to the concerns of those living close to the proposed 500MW Halfway Energy Park.
Mr Fraser said: “It was good to meet with the developers this week and learn more about the proposals for this massive solar farm.
“Cllr Forbes has already been brilliant, ensuring that people in the Carse are informed and hearing their thoughts on the proposals.
“It is clear from the early responses on social media – of which there are hundreds – that this is going to be a highly contentious project.
“If it were to go ahead, it would become the largest solar farm in Scotland and undoubtedly, dramatically change the landscape of the Carse.
“I am in no doubt that renewable energy is crucial for our future energy mix, but this is quality agricultural land we are talking about here.
“Due to the scale of this proposal, I am calling on the First Minister – whose constituents will be impacted by this – to ensure that the voices of those in the Carse are heard. The ultimate decision on this proposal lies with the Scottish Government, and therefore accountability lies with him.”
Scottish Government response
The Scottish Government’s Energy Consents Unit (ECU) decides on planning applications for energy developments generating over 50 MW.
A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “It would not be appropriate to comment on any individual proposal which may come before Scottish Ministers for determination.
“All applications are subject to consultation and are considered on a case-by-case basis. Any environmental impacts, including cumulative impacts, are assessed and carefully considered before a determination is made.”
