Montreathmont solar farm is located 13 km to the east of Forfar and 6 km south of Brechin, Scotland. The project was approved unanimously at Angus Council’s Development Standards Committee on 13 December 2022 following a recommendation for approval by Council officers. The addition of the battery storage facilities will enable the renewable energy produced by the Montreathmont solar farm to be used at different times of day and climatic conditions, helping to balance supply and demand in the grid.

John Lindsay, Development Manager for Scotland at Renewable Connections, said: “Locally this project will make a valuable contribution towards Angus Council’s Sustainable Energy & Climate Action Plan. Nationally it will support the Scottish government’s legally binding target of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045. Over its 40-year lifespan, Montreathmont solar farm will displace an estimated 792 000 t of CO₂ from fossil fuel sources. This is around the same reduction in carbon emissions as taking 172 000 petrol and diesel cars off the road over the same period of time.

He added: “Throughout the development of this project we have engaged extensively with local people, the Council, and statutory consultees. The feedback received has helped shape the final design of the project, which includes proposals to greatly enhance the biodiversity of the area, including the creation of new habitats via wildflower meadow planting, as well as the installation of bat and bird boxes, and other ecological enhancement measures.”

The site originally received planning permission for a 42 MW solar farm via another developer in November 2015. In late 2020, Renewable Connections reopened discussions with the landowner and the project was reappraised. The approved application includes flexibility as to whether a fixed or tracking solar panel mounting system is used in order to maximise the potential energy yield from the site and a commitment to provide a community benefit fund of up to £2000 per MW.