Project: Cossans Solar and BESS
Introduction
Located in Angus, Cossans Solar and BESS Development is expected to bring up to 110 megawatts (MW) to the area, generating clean, green energy for generations to come.
Status
Pre-Planning
Size
50MW
About the project
- Cossans Solar & BESS will comprise approximately 100,000 individual solar panels which will sit approximately 2.5ft off the ground, facing south, at an angle of up to 20%, and a Battery and Energy Storage System (BESS) with a capacity of 50MW.
- The development will supply power directly into the grid via connection at Lunanhead, with an export capacity of up to 49.9 (MW).
- A community benefit package will be available for locals to spend according to their own priorities, throughout the lifespan of the project.
- As a development exceeding 50MW capacity Cossans Solar & BESS is considered a nationally significant development and consent will be sought from Scottish Ministers. This green energy project will contribute to Scotland's ambitious 'net zero by 2030' targets.
- The project will generate enough energy to power over 16,000 homes per year and will make an approximate CO2 saving over the lifespan of the development of 740,000 tCO2e when compared to fossil fuel energy generation.
Location
Field Estate, Anytown, Midlothian EH23 4LT
Project partners
Solar experts BLC Energy entered an exclusive partnership with Octopus Renewable Infrastructure Trust (ORIT- part of the Octopus Energy Group) in 2023. Cossans Solar & BESS development is funded by ORIT and managed by BLC Energy.
ORIT has an impressive track record of operating renewable energy projects, reaching a total generating capacity of 808MW across several sites. This equates to 2.3m homes powered by renewable energy every year, a major sustainable achievement.
Community benefit
Aligning with the recommendations from Solar Energy UK, Cossans Solar & BESS will generate an annual community benefit fund worth £500 for every megawatt (MW) of export capacity on site, equating to £25,000 per annum for the 40 year project life.
Working with a community liaison group comprised of Community Councillors, Cossans Solar & BESS will establish how the communities local to the project wish to manage this benefit fund.
To find out more about how community benefits can be managed please visit: https://localenergy.scot/community-benefits-toolkit/
Public engagement
We are committed to maintaining open communication channels with local communities, councils and other stakeholders, to discuss the development of the project and use of the community benefit fund.
Our initial meetings with community councils took place in August 2024 and our first public exhibition is planned for October 2024.
- 1-1 briefing meetings with elected representatives.
- Regular meetings with a local liaison group comprised of community councillors.
- Our first public exhibition is taking place on Monday 28 October, 3-7pm, Padanaram Hall, Forfar, DD8 1PZ. If you are unable to attend in person, an online presentation will take place on Tuesday 29 October.
- A second public exhibition in December 2024/January 2025 highlighting the project design and how community feedback has been implemented.
Project timeline
Pre-application submitted to the Scottish Government.
Initial community meetings held to introduce the proposed project and gather feedback.
First public exhibition to present project details to the community.
Second public exhibition to present updated proposed plans- informed by feedback gathered at the first exhibition- and gather further community feedback.
536 Application submitted to the Scottish Government (Section 36 is an application for large electricity projects).
Ongoing community engagement and consultation as the proposed project progresses towards planning approval.
Project Images
Site location, Haugh of Cossans
Site location, Haugh of Cossans
Neil Lindsay, Project Lead