Lockerbie Solar Farm

Introducing Lockerbie Solar Farm

SSE Energy Solutions is preparing to submit a planning application to Dumfries & Galloway Council for a 6 MWp solar farm on land to the west of the Arla Food’s Lockerbie Creamery, Lockerbie. 

Our proposed low impact solar facility will generate clean, renewable energy to supply power directly into the Creamery. At 6 Mega Watt peak (MWp)*, the solar farm will reduce emissions while enhancing local biodiversity. 

This development has a 35-year lifecycle and at the end of the solar facility’s lifecycle, all equipment will be safely dismantled and removed.

*MWp is the maximum output of power from the solar panels.

Indicative site location plan

Why do we need to do this?

The UK has committed to reach Net Zero carbon emissions by 2050. The new UK Government wants to make the UK a “clean energy superpower”. As a key mission, the Government has committed to achieving a zero-carbon electricity system by 2030 highlighting the importance of energy production from new low carbon sources as well as energy independence. This proposed solar project supports this ambition and further, will provide wide ranging benefits, including: 

  • Assisting Dumfries & Galloway Council in reducing greenhouse gas emissions in line with local and national targets in response to the Climate Emergency. 

  • Careful consideration to avoid effects on landscape, heritage, or ecology. 

  • Biodiversity net gain. 

  • The proposed low-impact solar farm will generate clean, renewable energy for Arla’s Lockerbie Creamery, supporting its sustainability commitments and helping to secure the long-term operation of the site and maintain as a major local employer.

  • A development allowing the land to rest for a period of up to 35 years.

  • Decommissioning and full restoration of the site at the end of life of the development will be secured via planning condition.

  • No Government subsidy required as supported by Arla.

Indicative solar PV area

Who are we?

SSE Energy Solutions is the developer of this project. We develop, own, and operate low-carbon infrastructure to support the zero-carbon transition of businesses to improve their resilience, energy security and move to achieving net zero goals.

SSE Energy Solutions is part of the wider SSE Group, a leading developer of renewable electricity. This includes solar, onshore and offshore wind, hydropower, electricity transmission and distribution networks, and efficient gas-fired generation, alongside a range of energy products and services for businesses.

With a portfolio of around 4 GW of onshore wind, offshore wind and hydro, SSE’s strategy is to drive the transition to a net zero world through the world class development, construction and operation of renewable energy assets. We’re aiming to treble our renewable energy output from 2019 levels to 30 TWh by 2030, making a significant contribution to decarbonising the power sector and achieving net zero emissions by 2050.

We are driven by our purpose: to provide energy needed today while building a better world of energy for tomorrow.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • There is no evidence that solar farms harm wildlife. In fact, when well managed, they can support it. Our proposals will deliver a significant biodiversity net gain by enhancing existing landscape features and habitats, and introducing new habitats that improve opportunities for local wildlife and strengthen ecological connectivity across the site.

  • The proposals will take approximately 10 months to construct.

  • There is a clear need for new, low-carbon energy sources, and solar remains one of the quickest and most cost-effective to deliver. Solar is already making a substantial contribution to the UK’s electricity mix, regularly supplying up to a quarter of daytime power in summer and over 20% at times in winter.

    This dedicated private-wire scheme designed to supply the Arla Creamery at Lockerbie supports national Net Zero goals by reducing demand for fossil-fuel-based electricity. Government policy relies on a significant increase in solar generation by 2030, with growth expected from both rooftop installations and appropriately scaled ground-mounted sites like this one.

  • The solar farm is a temporary development and will not change the land classification. The proposal maintains the ability for the land to be continued to be used for grazing.

  • No, solar panels have no moving parts and emit no sound. Inverters and transformers can emit very low-level sound, but these are sited away from houses and cannot be heard from more than a few metres away. A full noise assessment has been conducted for the site and the project design will consider potential mitigation, if necessary.

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