Elgin Energy has received planning permission for a 50MW solar PV project at Milltown Airfield near Elgin in Moray, the largest consented solar PV project in Scotland to date.

The Milltown Airfield project is the first solar development approved by the Energy Consents Unit (ECU) of the Scottish Government which rules on projects of 50MW or greater in output.

The development will occupy approximately 115 hectares of a former RAF Airfield on land owned by the Innes Estate. The airfield was decommissioned in the 1970s and since then has been used for a variety of activities including storage, HGV testing and sheep grazing. The site will continue to be used for sheep grazing once construction is complete.

Ronan Kilduff, managing director, Elgin Energy, said: “This large-scale project is the fruition of the commitment and vision between Elgin Energy, Innes Estate, Scottish and Southern Energy Power Distribution, National Grid, Savills and the rest of our professional support team.

“The ECU, Moray Council and all parties involved in the planning process have been highly engaging and we are delighted with this outcome which is the culmination of almost six years preparatory work.

“We would hope to begin developing this project in the early 2020s. Elgin Energy is continuing to invest in Scottish solar and across the UK to accelerate the transition to a low carbon, secure and affordable UK energy system.”

Once energized, the solar farm will supply 50MW of clean and affordable electricity powering up to 15,000 Scottish homes or 19,000 electric vehicles annually. This project is an exciting addition to Elgin Energy’s extensive portfolio across Scotland and the UK. Elgin Energy previously developed the current largest operational solar farm in Scotland. Errol, a13MW solar farm in Perth was energised in 2016.

In 2015, Scotland achieved its 50% target of gross annual electricity consumption from renewable energy and are on track to achieve their target of 100% by 2020. To date, Scotland has a total installed capacity of 319MW of solar PV.

Milltown Airfield solar farm will provide a significant contribution to Scotland’s robust and growing renewables sector and the country’s renewable energy targets. Elgin Energy is currently developing additional sites throughout Scotland and the UK.

Stephanie Conesa, policy manager at Scottish Renewables, said: “With most of Scotland having just enjoyed a long weekend of sunshine, it seems like perfect timing for Elgin Energy’s announcement that it has received planning permission for the largest consented solar PV project in Scotland to date.

“It will surprise many that the electricity generation potential of a solar PV array in Scotland is very similar, if not better than, one in central or northern England or parts of Wales. Scotland really can be a hotspot for this type of green energy.

“Solar power is a low cost, popular and clean alternative to fossil fuel generation and it absolutely must be in the energy mix if Scotland is to meet its 50% renewable target by 2030.”

Dr Sam Gardner, acting director of WWF Scotland, said: “After many parts of Scotland have been basking in sunshine over recent days, it’s great to see this large solar farm granted planning permission.

“Solar will have an important role to play in helping Scotland reach its 50% renewable target by 2030. It’s low cost, popular with the public, and is playing an increasingly important role UK wide in helping to keep the lights on.

“We’re calling on the UK government to provide a route to market for solar to ensure it can make its full contribution to cutting emissions and creating jobs across the country.”