The proposed Development comprises solar photovoltaic (PV) panels that will provide up 20 MW of power.
Above: Site Location Plan
Introduction
In January 2022, ScottishPower Renewables (SPR) acquired Speyslaw Solar PV project from Elgin Energy as part of a portfolio of 17 projects with a combined capacity of more than 800 MW. The portfolio will be the largest to be delivered in the UK’s post-subsidy market, demonstrating the key role that solar PV combined with storage will play in the UK’s future generation mix, providing flexible and competitive renewable energy.
Location
The Solar site would consist of solar panels arranged in rows and it is expected that the panels would collectively have a capacity of approximately 20MW, enough low carbon electricity to power approximately 6,000 homes every year.
View the site layout plan
Proposed Development/ Project History
A Town and Country planning application was submitted by Elgin Energy in 2017 and consented in May 2018. The consented operational life of the solar site was a 30 year operational lifetime however a Section 42 was submitted and granted in December 2020 which allows for a 40 year operational life.
Access to the site will be direct via an unnamed road from the A96 trunk road along the B9103 and north bound along Station Road.
SPR completed the acquisition of Speyslaw Solar in Q1 2022. Since this time, SPR have been drafting material to support the discharge of pre-commencement planning conditions. Construction is programmed to commence in 2023.
Design Considerations & Evolution
Although the solar farm design has been consented, SPR are currently reviewing the scheme design to ascertain whether any amendments are required.
Battery Energy Storage System
An application to install a Battery Energy Storage System was made in November 2021, this application is to facilitate the storing of energy up to 19.9MW capacity. The storage facility will have an operational lifespan of 40 years. Ref no: 21/01805/APP
Community Consultation
Early consultation is key to the way SPR develops projects and ensure that local communities and stakeholders are given the opportunity to provide feedback throughout the various stages.
As we progress through the post-consent stage, SPR is keen that you can continue to find out more about the project and how it is progressing. You can contact the project team on the project mailbox address noted in the "Contact" section below.
Project Documents
Please click on the links below to view the Speyslaw planning documents.
Original Application -
http://publicaccess.moray.gov.uk/eplanning/applicationDetails.do?keyVal=OQJQBBBGLX900&activeTab=summary
Application to install a Battery Energy Storage System -
http://publicaccess.moray.gov.uk/eplanning/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=summary&keyVal=R2LZJ1BGJGO00
Section 42 application to extend operational life -
http://publicaccess.moray.gov.uk/eplanning/applicationDetails.do?keyVal=QGSL5LBG02M00&activeTab=summary
Contact
The Project Team can be contacted directly by email.-Link email to: SPRSolar@scottishpower.com