Ib Vogt has submitted a planning application for a solar farm and battery energy storage system (BESS) in Scotland.
The developer has submitted a Section 36 consent application to the Scottish Government’s Energy Consents Unit for Stirches Renewable Energy Park.
Located on land to the south and east of Stirches Mains, Hawick (site view pictured), the development will comprise a 30MW solar farm and an associated 30MW BESS, together with a substation and ancillary infrastructure.
The BESS will store and release electricity to the grid, helping to maintain frequency and voltage stability and support the transition to a low-carbon economy.
If consented, Stirches Renewable Energy Park will contribute to the Scottish Government’s commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2045.
Lead planner for Ib Vogt UK Chris Peachey said: “Following extensive community consultation, rigorous impact assessments and surveys, and meaningful engagement with our landowner partners, we are pleased to have submitted the Stirches Renewable Energy Park proposal to the Scottish Government’s ECU.
“Should the proposal be consented, we would expect to start construction by 2027, with an anticipated grid connection the same year.
“The estimated electricity generated each year by the solar farm would be equal to the annual electricity consumption of 8600 average UK homes and will be key to meeting the Scottish Government’s solar energy ambitions.”
The development will include wildlife habitat creation and tree planting. Ib Vogt will also provide a community benefit fund of £12,000 each year for the 40-year project lifetime.
The fund will go towards local initiatives and programmes, such as investment in community facilities, the provision of solar panels to nearby homes, or local tree and wildlife planting initiatives.
Peachey added: “This is a voluntary fund offered to the local community in recognition of its role in hosting the development and contributing to Scotland’s targets. The community will decide how this money is best allocated, and we will be driven by their interests and needs on this.”