Fife Council backs solar farm plans for Kinglassie

Work on a massive solar farm on the outskirts of Kinglassie could begin next year after councillors gave their unanimous backing to plans for the facility.The 115-acre site at Strathruddie Farm was chosen by the developers as the landowner was keen to be involved, while it is fairly well screened and located just 2.2km from the nearest grid supply point at Westfield.Once up and running, the solar farm is expected to generate 24.8 GWh of electricity each year, the equivalent of powering approximately 7000 homes.It will also generate a CO2 emissions saving of over 11,000 tonnes per year – helping to tackle climate change and meet national and local renewable and carbon saving commitments.Ten battery storage units will also be created, allowing energy to be stored on site which can be better managed during times of high or low demand.Fife planning case officer Martin McGroarty recommended approval of the plans when they went before councillors, and the committee agreed. Detailed designs submitted along with the application revealed the solar farm will be a mix of fixed panels and also tracking panels, which can follow the movement of the sun during the day and maximise energy production.