Located at an identified site northwest of the island, the solar farm will feature circa 7MW solar and 12MW battery energy storage, enabling the island to move a step closer to being completely clean energy self-sufficient. The solar farm would immediately reduce the island’s carbon footprint by over 40%.

The site boundary for the solar farm remains the same as the original application. The generation capacity will provide additional energy storage when power is not required for export. Consequently, the extra battery storage will support the island’s energy security and future adoption of renewables.

The solar farm could become the catalyst for the island’s ambitions to become one of six carbon-zero islands in Scotland by 2040, supported by the Scottish Government.

The application is a new submission following the expiration of a previous application. Comsol Energy has now received approval from the DNO SSE to import and export power to the island.

Craig Little, advisor to Comsol Energy, said, “North Ayrshire Council granted the original application, however, it was time-sensitive, so we are submitting a fresh application. Comsol has also addressed concerns raised by the community.

“We are excited by the potential the solar farm has for the island, which could follow in the footsteps of other pioneering islands in Denmark and communities in Wales, which have transformed in an effort to become more carbon neutral but equally have embraced green tourism opportunities, leading to significant economic benefits beyond tourism.

“As well as offering potential economic opportunities, the island’s energy security and disaster resilience would be vastly improved, notably during the winter when the island has been prone to regular blackouts. The proposed battery storage element of the solar farm, if not discharged, could provide up to 24 MWh of backup power.

“Longer term, if residents were interested, there is the potential for community ownership of the solar farm, which could also provide options for discounted island electricity tariffs. The benefits to the island, not to mention the planet, are significant.”