Project: Binn Solar and BESS Farm
Introduction
Binn Solar and BESS Farm is expected to generate up to c42,000 Kilowatt hours (kWh) of renewable energy.
Status
Planning submitted
Size
c39MWp
About the project
- Binn Solar and BESS Farm will comprise solar panels producing up to 30MW of renewable energy (with a 39MWp buildout), supported by a Battery and Energy Storage System (BESS) with a capacity of 6MW.
- Approximately 60,000 individual solar panels will be sensitively spread across the site. They will sit around 2.5 feet off the ground, facing south at an angle of up to 20°.
- The project will generate enough energy to offset over 15,400 homes electricity usage. The development will supply power directly into the grid via the Abernethy substation.
- A community benefit package will be available for locals to spend according to their own priorities throughout the project's lifespan.
- Binn Solar and BESS Farm is developed by BLC Energy and owned by TRIO Power Limited. TRIO is owned by the Octopus Renewable Infrastructure Trust (ORIT), a fund managed by Octopus Energy Generation (OEGEN). OEGEN is one of the largest renewable energy investors in Europe, managing more than 230 large-scale green energy projects with a combined capacity of 3.25 GW.
Location
Binn Farm – PH2 9PX. The proposed site is on lands 4km northwest of Strathmiglo and 5km northeast of Glenfarg with an approximate address of Glentarkie, Perth and Kinross, KY14 7RU.
Community benefit
Binn Solar & BESS Farm will generate an annual community benefit fund worth £500 for every megawatt (MW) of export capacity on site, equating to £19,500 per annum for the 40-year project life.
The Binn Solar Farm and BESS will work with the local community council to establish how the communities local to the project wish to manage this benefit fund. We suggest making half of the fund available as energy grants to neighbouring properties.
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.
- The first public exhibition took place Wednesday, 25th June.
- A second public exhibition took place on 8th October. Both exhibitions were held at the Glenfarg Community Centre, 9 Greenbank Road, Glenfarg, PH2 9NW, where members of the BLC Energy team shared updates on the project design.
- The project planning application (25/01836/FLM) was submitted to the Perth & Kinross Council on 20 January 2026. To view all the planning submission documentation and to support or object to the application, please follow the link https://planningapps.pkc.gov.uk/online-applications/simpleSearchResults.do?action=firstPage
- You can email with your questions using the enquiry form below.
Project timeline
We attended a community council meeting to introduce the proposed project and gather feedback.
Environmental surveys are ongoing.
The first public exhibition took place at Glenfarg.
8th October.The Second public exhibition to present updated proposed plans, informed by feedback from the first exhibition, and gather further community feedback.
Submission of planning application to Perth & Kinross Council. Validated on 20 January with reference number 25/01836/FLM.
Grid connection date and commercial operation.
Project News
September 2025 Residents and businesses were encouraged to attend the second public exhibition for the proposed Binn Solar and BESS Farm on land 4km northwest of Strathmiglo and 5km northeast Read more...
June 2025 BLC Energy is holding it’s first public consultation for the proposed Binn Solar Farm and BESS, located 4km northwest of Strathmiglo and 5km northeast of Glenfarg with an Read more...
Project Images
Exhibition Material
Below are links to PDFs of the rollup banners displayed at the 25/6/25 exhibition.
Welcome
Proposal
Battery Energy and Storage Systems
Landscape and Environmental Considerations
Biodiversity Net Gain
Community Benefit Fund
Next Steps
Below are links to PDFs of the rollup banners displayed at the 8/10/25 exhibition.
Welcome
Updated Layout
Questions Feedback
Transport, Vehicular and Construction
Environmental Assessment
Assessment Status
Biodiversity Net Gain
Battery Energy and Storage Systems
Community Benefit Fund
Next Steps
Download the Powerpoint slides from the Glenfarg Community Presentation 27/10/25.
Application Documents
SEIR Report
Supporting Environmental Information Report - Binn Farm Solar and BESS.pdf
Figures
Fig 3.1 - Site Location Plan (with access) - SEIR 260119.pdf
Fig 4.1 - Site Layout (with access) - SEIR 260120.pdf
Figure 3.2.1 - Environmental Designations 5km.pdf
Figure 3.2.2 - Environmental Designations 1km.pdf
Figure 3.3 - Cumulative Developments.pdf
Figure 4.2 - Typical Array Elevation.pdf
Figure 4.3 - Typical BESS Container.pdf
Figure 4.4 - Typical PCS Station.pdf
Figure 4.5 - Typical Aux Transformer.pdf
Figure 4.6 - Typical Transformer Station.pdf
Figure 4.7 - Typical DNO Substation.pdf
Figure 4.8 - Typical Private Substation.pdf
Figure 4.9 - Typical Spares Contatiner.pdf
Figure 4.10 - Typical Comms and Spares.pdf
Figure 4.11 - Typical Trench Cable Sections.pdf
Figure 4.12 - Typical Welfare Container.pdf
Figure 4.13 - Typical Water Tank.pdf
Figure 4.14 - Typical Fence and Gate Details.pdf
Figure 4.15 - Typical CCTV.pdf
Figure 4.16 - Typical Access Track.pdf
Technical Appendices
Appendix A - Screening Opinion.pdf
Appendix B - Outline Battery Safety Management Plan .pdf
Appendix C - Landscape and Visual Assessment (with Figures).pdf
Appendix C, Annex D - Landscape Enhancement and Mitigation Plan.pdf
Appendix C, Annex D - Landscape Visualisations.pdf
Appendix D - Ecological Impact Assessment.pdf
Appendix D, Annex A - Preliminary Ecological Appraisal.pdf
Appendix D, Annex B - Ornithology Report.pdf
Appendix D, Annex D - Outline Biodiversity Enhancement and Management Plan.pdf
Appendix E - Historic Environment Desk-Based Assessment.pdf
Appendix F - Transport Statement.pdf
Appendix G - Water Environmental Appraisal.pdf
Appendix H - Glint and Glare Report Assessment.pdf
Appendix I - Noise Impact Assessment.pdf
Appendixx D, Annex C - Habitat Regulations Assessment.pdf
Supporting Documents
Cover Letter - Binn Farm Solar and BESS.pdf
Design and Access Statement - Binn Farm Solar and BESS.pdf
Planning Statement - Binn Farm Solar and BESS.pdf
Pre-Application Consultation Report - Binn Farm Solar and BESS.pdf
Additional Documents
Binn Farm Solar and BESS Rural Site Location Plan 250910.pdf
Existing Site Plan.pdf
Proposed Site Layout Plan.pdf