Leading cleantech integrator Ameresco, Inc., which specialises in renewable energy and energy efficiency, today announced the advancement of two innovative solar projects on former landfill sites in North Ayrshire, Scotland. Developed in collaboration with Detra Solar, the Nethermains and Shewalton solar farms mark a major turning point in the Sustainable North Ayrshire Strategy of North Ayrshire Council, which aims to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2030.
With a combined DC capacity of 12.91 MW, the two locations will contain 20,650 solar panels, producing roughly 13,177 MWh of clean energy each year, which is sufficient to power more than 2,000 houses. By converting formerly unusable land into a renewable energy source, these projects lower annual CO2 emissions in the region by about 3,030 tonnes.
“We are thrilled to be spearheading this groundbreaking solar installation for North Ayrshire Council. By transforming previously unusable landfill sites into shining examples of sustainability and clean energy, we are making a substantial impact on the region’s carbon footprint. These solar arrays will not only provide green electricity but also create valuable employment opportunities for local communities, reinforcing our commitment to environmental stewardship and economic growth,” said Mark Apsey MBE, Senior Vice President at Ameresco.
Councilor Tony Gurney, Cabinet Member for Green Environment and Economy at North Ayrshire Council, said: “A huge amount of work has taken place at Nethermains and Shewalton, and it won’t be long before both sites are producing clean energy which will feed into the national grid. As well as providing a welcome revenue stream for the Council which can be re-invested into North Ayrshire, it is also ramps up our ongoing efforts to combat climate change and cut carbon emissions.”
When badgers were found late in the planning process, the Nethermains site offered a special problem because their habitat needed to be protected, which required a thorough redesign. The difficult balance between promoting renewable energy and protecting biodiversity was brought to light by this unforeseen challenge. By establishing a precedent for future infrastructure projects, the project’s success shows that wildlife protection and the development of renewable energy can coexist.
The environment and local people will gain from the solar farms in a number of ways. Along with helping to achieve net-zero objectives, the projects will create jobs and boost the local economy while providing North Ayrshire Council with a steady income stream through a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA).
Both farms are expected to start producing energy early this year as construction on the sites moves quickly. Ameresco and its partners demonstrate how creative solutions may both satisfy climate goals and biodiversity concerns by converting dump sites into prosperous solar farms while protecting important habitats.
