Harnessing the sun’s energy: View plans for solar farm in Scottish Borders which could power 21,000 homes
Leading independent renewable energy producer, Fred. Olsen Renewables, has unveiled proposals to create a solar farm at its existing Crystal Rig wind farm.
The plans for solar PV panels on the land around the turbines could generate enough green energy to power more than 21,000 homes.
Crystal Rig wind farm is Fred. Olsen Renewables’ flagship onshore renewable project and is located between Dunbar in East Lothian and Duns in the Scottish Borders. The wind farm commenced operation in 2003 and by 2025 will generate over 260MV of clean, green electricity – capable of powering over 200,000 homes. The Crystal Rig Solar project will generate an additional 27.5MW of green energy.
Rachel Baird, Project Manager at Fred. Olsen Renewables, commented: “We are delighted to launch our plans for Fred. Olens Renewables first large-scale solar project in Scotland. The solar project will work alongside the existing wind farm to maximise the overall potential of the site and to secure a more consistent energy supply.
“We will be writing to over 8000 residents around the project site to invite them to our consultation events so they can view the plans and give us their feedback. This is vital in helping to shape our proposal.”
Plans on display to public
The plans can be viewed on Tuesday, February 28, at Garvald Village Hall from 10am - 2pm and Innerwick Village Hall from 3pm - 7pm. The team will also be at Cockburnspath Village Hall on Wednesday, March 1 from 10am – 2pm.
The Solar project could deliver over £480,000 in community benefits to the surrounding towns and villages throughout the 35-year lifetime of the project, Fred. Olsen Renewables said.
Commenting further, Rachel Baird said: “We are really excited about the possibilities that our solar project could present. The project has the potential to make a significant contribution towards meeting Scotland’s net zero targets and is a fantastic example of how different renewable technologies can work together to ensure that we are delivering a consistent supply of clean, green energy to the grid.”
The dedicated project website will be updated with regular news and residents can leave comments on the proposal, the website can be viewed here.