PLANS for a large solar farm which could generate electricity to potentially power thousands of homes each year have been lodged with Fife Council.

Green Energy International, which has been in the renewable energy industry since 2009, has identified a 261-acre site to the west of Kelty at Lathalmond which would accommodate a solar power array and battery storage facility.

The company believes the proposed site is ideal for such a venture as it satisfies a number of criteria for solar farm projects, and hopes to have a generating station in operation there for up to 40 years.

The generating station would produce around 42,920 MWh of clean renewable electricity per year for distribution to the national grid, while there are also plans to locate 20MW of battery storage on site as well.

Estimates on how many homes that could power vary wildly depending on usage, but the site is likely to produce enough electricity for between 3,000 to 6,000 homes per annum.

A supporting statement along with the initial application states: “The site, having been in agricultural use for many years, would benefit from a period of soil resting, whilst simultaneously producing clean energy. 

“On decommissioning of the generating station, the site would continue in agricultural use. 

“There is an urgent need reflected in national and local policies for reducing carbon emissions to limit the damaging impacts of climate change. 

“Rapidly growing the use of renewable energy sources such as solar is strongly supported.”

A more detailed application is expected to be submitted later this year, but the company has indicated that it plans to install solar photovoltaic panels which could effectively track the movement of the sun.

That increases the likelihood of continuous electrical productivity by 20 to 25% when compared to traditional fixed solar arrays.

A 2.2-metre-high security fence would also be created around the site to protect it from intruders while also allowing sheep to graze safely and securely.

The boundary fencing would be located inside existing hedgerows and tree belts in order to screen the proposed development.