Project: Kirknewton Solar and BESS Farm
Introduction
Located in West Lothian, Kirknewton Solar and BESS Development is expected to generate up to c 50,000MWh (units of electricity) of renewable energy.
Status
In Development
Size
40MW
About the project
- Kirknewton Solar & BESS Farm will comprise approximately c83,000 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 9MW.
- The development will supply power directly into the grid via connection at Currie substation, with an export capacity of up to 40MW.
- A community benefit package will be available for locals to spend according to their own priorities, throughout the lifespan of the project.
- The project will generate enough energy to provide 12,500 homes per year.
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Kirknewton Solar 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
Kirknewton, West Lothian. It is approximately 2kms southwest of Kirknewton village, on land off Leyden Road.
Community benefit
Kirknewton Solar & BESS Farm will generate an annual community benefit fund worth £500 for every megawatt (MW) of export capacity on site, equating to £26,000 per annum for the 40-year project life.
Working with a community liaison group comprised of Community Councillors, Kirknewton Solar & BESS Farm will establish how the communities local to the project wish to manage this benefit fund. The plan will be to split the fund in half with half (£12,500) being made available as 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.
- An initial meeting with community councils took place in May 2025 and a public exhibition is to be held June 2025.
- 1-1 briefing meetings with elected representatives.
- Regular meetings with a local liaison group comprised of community councillors.
- The first of two public exhibitions took place on Thursday 12 June at 4-8pm, Kirknewton Village Hall, Main Street, Kirknewton, EH27 8AH, which will share the project design, and we welcome community feedback at this point.
- An online presentation will take place on Monday 16th June at 6:30-7:30pm.
- A feedback questionnaire form is available here
Project timeline
Initial community meetings held to introduce the proposed project and gather feedback.
Environmental surveys ongoing
First Public Exhibition. Ongoing community engagement and consultation as the proposed project progresses towards planning approval.
Second Public Exhibition date to be confirmed
Planning application submitted
Grid connection date
Project News
May 2025 The first public exhibition will take place on Thursday 12th June 2025, at Kirknewton Village Hall, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Attendees will have the opportunity to Read more...
Project Images
Exhibition Material
Below are links to PDFs of the rollup banners displayed at the 12/6/25 exhibition.
Welcome
Our Proposal
Battery Energy and Storage System (BESS)
Landscape and Environmental Considerations
Biodiversity Net Gain
Community Benefit Fund
Next Steps
Application Documents
This information will be available shortly.