Diageo lodges planning application for solar farm at Leven packaging plant

Diageo has applied for planning permission for a new on-site solar energy at its Leven packaging plant in Fife.The plans would see 12,000 solar panels installed on vacant land at the 150-acre plant. It would produce 4 megawatts (MW) of electricity.The solar farm is part of the drinks group’s plan to achieve net zero carbon emissions from its direct operations by 2030.Diageo is working with energy company E.ON and Emtec Energy, a local Scottish business, to develop the plans.It will be built within the existing footprint of the Leven packaging plant site and has been planned to ensure minimal visual and environmental impact on the surrounding area. The plant produces 40 million cases of spirits each year.The group has so far reduced half of the carbon in its operations already, the business aims to remove the rest by 2030, harnessing 100% renewable energy everywhere it operates.It has also committed to partnering with suppliers to halve indirect carbon emissions. In Scotland alone, three of the company’s Scotch whisky distilleries – Oban, Royal Lochnagar and Brora – have already achieved net zero carbon emissions.