Developer unveils major solar farm in Fife capable of powering 12,000 homes

A farm in Leven could eventually be home to a solar energy farm providing power to approximately 12,120 households annually. Green Energy International has put forward a Proposal of Application Notice (PAN) for a brand new solar park at Kilmux Farm.

It would provide power to the grid at the Letham substation, with approximately 30 percent of the renewable electricity emitted also powering the Diageo bottling facility in Leven and the Cameron Bridge Distillery. If approved, the development will have a 40-year operational lifespan.

“The solar farm will contribute to the provision of clean, affordable energy, the reduction of carbon emissions, and the combating of climate change, as well as how it is estimated to power approximately 12,120 households annually,” a planning statement said.

“The proposed development is our response to the ever-intensifying challenges of climate change and global warming. It is abundantly clear that the harnessing of renewable, zero-carbon electricity is paramount for both our local community and the broader nation. We are confident that the Kilmux Solar Park will provide a significant boost to the regional grid, propelling our collective sustainable ambitions forward.”

The proposed solar development has already seen a number of modifications from initial plans for a 70MW solar farm to the current proposal of a 37MW solar farm. Other alterations have included repositioning the site entrance to a more suitable location and relocating equipment further away from residential properties to mitigate visual impact and noise.

A public request to include a footpath through the site was also incorporated into the plans with a permissive footpath included in the plans linking the Pilgrims Way to the Glamping site to the east of Kilmux Farm.

Green Energy International said the modifications were made in response to two public consultation events about the development of the solar farm.

The first consultation was held in August attracted around 40 attendees. The second was held in early September and attracted around 20 people.

Developers say both groups were largely supportive of the development. They intend to hold one more consultation event in Spring 2024. The date has yet to be determined, but it will be held at the Sandy Brae Community Education Centre in Kennoway.

A PAN only advises the council of how the developer intends to engage with the community. If it is approved and goes to plan, Green Energy International could bring a full planning application at a later date.