Scottish Council Breaks Ground on Solar Duo, Paving the Way for Clean Energy Future

• North Ayrshire Council takes a groundbreaking step towards sustainability with the construction of two solar farms, generating clean energy and revenue for the community.

North Ayrshire Council in Scotland has begun construction on two solar farms, marking the first solar farms to be owned and operated by a local authority in Scotland. The projects, developed with Ameresco, are part of the Council's efforts to cut carbon emissions and earn income to sustain local services. The Nethermains solar farm, located on a former landfill site, will feature over 12,000 solar panels and is expected to generate approximately 7700MWh of electricity annually. The Shewalton solar PV farm will generate around 5,400MWh to supply the local electricity grid once operational.

The construction of these solar farms is a major milestone in North Ayrshire Council's Environmental Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy. The projects, representing a £12m investment, will not only help reduce carbon emissions but also provide revenue for the Council and community benefits through the sale of electricity generated. The Nethermains solar farm alone is expected to power over 2000 homes and contribute to the Council's goal of reaching net zero by 2030.

What are the benefits of North Ayrshire Council's new solar farms?

• The solar farms will contribute to the reduction of carbon emissions in North Ayrshire Council's efforts to combat climate change.
• The projects will generate income for the Council through the sale of electricity, providing a sustainable source of revenue.
• The Nethermains solar farm, with over 12,000 solar panels, is expected to generate approximately 7700MWh of electricity annually, enough to power over 2000 homes.
• The Shewalton solar PV farm will generate around 5,400MWh of electricity, contributing to the local electricity grid.
• The construction of these solar farms represents a £12m investment, demonstrating the Council's commitment to renewable energy and sustainability.
• The projects align with the Council's Environmental Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy, showcasing their dedication to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2030.
• The Nethermains solar farm, located on a former landfill site, repurposes unused land for renewable energy generation, promoting sustainable land use.
• The solar farms will serve as a model for other local authorities in Scotland, encouraging the adoption of renewable energy projects and the transition to a low-carbon economy.
• The community will benefit from the projects through the sale of electricity, contributing to the local economy and supporting local services.
• The solar farms will create job opportunities during the construction phase and potentially in the long term for maintenance and operation, boosting the local economy and providing employment.