Inchinnan Solar Park was granted planning permission by Renfrewshire Council in January 2022 with the local authority’s Planning and Climate Change Policy Board commending the development as a benchmark for future projects in the area.

The team at Mac Mic Group secured both planning permission and grid connections for the project.

The development will be capable of generating up to 20 megawatts of clean energy, which can be fed back into the electricity grid. When completed, the park will generate enough electricity to meet the annual needs of over 5,000 properties. This zero-carbon development will contribute to Scotland’s net-zero targets, preventing the release of over 2,800 tonnes of CO2 annually.

Andrew Mickel, director at Mac Mic Group, said: “This agreement represents a further milestone in our company’s history and delivers part of a strategy to explore renewable energy projects on our land holdings.

“I’d like to thank the team at Aggreko and we look forward to a long and successful partnership with them. We are actively looking at other opportunities in our land portfolio to replicate this successful project.

“I would personally like to give thanks to Bruce Hampton, his exceptional work on this deal was instrumental to its success.”

Bruce Hampton, regional land director (Scotland) at Mac Mic Group, added: “This project sets a new standard for sustainable development in Renfrewshire, as acknowledged by the council’s Planning and Climate Change Policy Board. The project is a great example of how Mac Mic Group has utilised our expertise and land holdings to generate long-term value for our shareholders, whilst also playing our part in the UK energy transition to net zero.

“I would like to give thanks to our wider project team, the local ornithological group, the RSPB, NatureScot and Renfrewshire Council Planning Team for their valuable insight and input to make this project happen.”

Chris Rason, managing director, energy solutions at Aggreko, said: “This project is a leading example of energy diversification in Europe. We have significant experience across the globe supporting such projects, so it’s fantastic to see one come to fruition so close to our home in Scotland.

“As solar continues to be the fastest growing energy source in Europe, Mac Mic Group are putting words into action by accelerating their role in the energy transition through true innovation and collaboration. The road to net zero is not straightforward, but this partnership will ensure the teams are well-equipped to enable Inchinnan Solar Park to flourish over the next 45 years and beyond.”

Enhancing biodiversity

Located between Greenock Road and Houston Road, the solar park has been carefully designed to minimise its impact on the local environment. Mac Mic Group’s project team, including expert landscape architects and ecologists, prioritised enhancing biodiversity. By embracing the requirements of the NPF4, the plans include various measures to protect and improve the natural habitat.

To ensure optimal environmental impact, Mac Mic Group collaborated closely with local experts, including the RSPB and NatureScot. Through on-site surveys, the RSPB identified key areas for habitat enhancement. The site supports a diverse bird population, including whooper swans, wading birds and birds of prey.

To support birdlife, the design includes bird boxes and shallow scrapes in the soil to provide suitable habitats for wading birds. These simple yet effective measures will positively contribute to the site’s biodiversity.

The site’s current arable nature provides a natural food source for whooper swans after harvest. In collaboration with the RSPB, Mac Mic Group implemented an additional conservation measure by designating areas outside the solar park for sacrificial crops. These dedicated food sources will further enhance the site’s ecological value.

To the north of the site, areas of scrub, native broadleaf woodland and riparian woodland have incorporated to enrich the local ecosystem. Existing hedgerows and trees will be preserved to create a natural boundary, while the solar panels, mounted on low-profile frames, will cover only 51% of the site, allowing for sufficient sunlight to reach the ground and support local wildlife.

Mac Mic Group’s consultancy team includes Savills, Greenspan, ICENI, Brindley Associates, Bayne Stevenson Associates, ECS Transport and Bureau Veritas.