AN application for the construction of 1000 solar panels next to the River Annan at Newbie has been conditionally granted by Dumfries and Galloway Council.
Dumfries based Fusion Renewables are applying to install a ground mounted solar voltaic array (495kw) and associated infrastructure on the western bank of the River Annan on behalf of Cochran Ltd, at the former Newbie Brick and Tile works site.
The boiler manufacturers are hoping to complete the installation in order for them to move towards their environmental goals.
Annual electricity generation from the site is expected to be around 420,000kWh.
Cochran product delivery manager Allan Shaw said: “Cochran is committed to reducing emissions and driving forward on the Net Zero journey.
“This is one of the ongoing projects being undertaken by the company’s Net Zero Team that will reduce our carbon emissions and demonstrate our commitment towards the environment.”
Fusion Renewables provide renewable energy solutions for homes and businesses across Dumfries and Galloway and beyond.
Managing director Ryan Johnstone added: “Fusion Renewables is always interested in designing and installing systems of any size to help domestic customers or large businesses like Cochrans meet their green goals whilst also making a great financial investment.”
The delegated report on the planning application states: “The proposal would have an installed power generation capacity of 495kW. This would contribute to the targets set in The Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009.
“This act set out initial targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions as an interim 42 per cent reduction target for 2020 and an 80 per cent reduction target for 2050.”
Conditions attached to the application are that work to put up the panels must begin within the next three years, if any panels fail to produce electricity for a continuous period of 12 months they should be removed, solar panel frame material and colours should be approved by the planning authority before construction begins and all control cables should be underground.
