FAQs
Why here? Have alternative sites been identified?
Many factors need to align to bring forward sites for solar projects like Springfield. The availability of grid connection is important to the site selection process as well as availability of good sunlight levels, suitable topography, accessibility and avoidance of national/international cultural and natural heritage designations. At this stage, following surveys and feasibility studies, this site has provided alignment across different factors that tell us it could be viable. The ongoing Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and consultation process will confirm this for us. A description of reasonable alternatives will be included in the EIA Report.
Why can't it be located on a brownfield site?
Voltalia continues to explore opportunities for viable sites and the use of brownfield sites and rural sites isn’t an either/or situation. Unfortunately, brownfield sites often pose challenges of access, unfavourable ground conditions, limited space to make it viable, availability of light and more. That is not to say that Voltalia does not also explore these opportunities.
Why is the project as large as it is?
The land made available for assessment is 184 hectares in total, however the scale of the project is subject to refinement and changes to layout. We understand this is one of the largest proposals in Scotland at this time and the amount of available land is key to the viability of the project.
Importantly, during peak operation, it is likely to produce up to 165MWp of electricity. This will be used to feed into the power network.
The total number of panels is unconfirmed at this time and will be informed by ongoing surveys and assessments.
Haven’t you already fixed the site layout?
No, what has been shared to date is not final. We are making changes to the design over the course of the project and taking on feedback from the consultations as well as feedback received through engagement with individuals and organisations. We welcome the opportunity to hear from residents at any time, and we will share an updated layout at our next public exhibition.
What are the visual impacts?
As part of the design development process, we are exploring areas where the layout needs to be refined so that it is set back from residences and local roads. We know that parts of the site may be more visible for some properties than others and we have begun discussions with residents on their concerns to explore opportunities for screening and other mitigation.
How far the panels are ‘set back’ from properties is determined on a site-by-site basis considering such factors as local landform/land cover variations, elevation, property orientation, distance and aspect.
A visual impact assessment will be carried out to determine the level of effects on sensitive receptors with the findings reported in the EIAR.
Isn’t this site better for agricultural use, to help ensure Scotland’s food security?
We need land for both agriculture and energy production. There have been independent studies in the United Kingdom that have found solar farms do not threaten food security. However, a big risk to food security is climate change which could reduce the UK’s best farmland. Projects like Springfield can play a role in fighting climate change
The majority of the agricultural land within the site is classed as grade 3.2 with a small proportion of the land, in the west of the site, graded 3.1. No Grade 1 or 2 land will be impacted.
Won’t the project stagnate the site for future use and impact soil quality?
The Springfield solar installation will not irreversibly disturb the ground or impact how the land can be used, should alternative uses be considered in future.
Once the solar farm is built, it could actually make the soil better over time because things like application of fertilisers, pesticides, or tilling the ground won’t be taking place. Without plants to host them, crop diseases will die out, and the soil will have a chance to rest, which should make it healthier for growing crops in the future. When the solar farm is up and running, the land will be covered with a mix of wildflowers and grasses.
How are the impacts to local wildlife being considered?
During 2024 we carried out a range of ecological surveys to understand potential impacts on species including bats, badgers, otter, water vole and red squirrel. A breeding bird survey was carried out in 2023. The results will inform our scheme design as well as the design of mitigation measures to ensure wildlife is protected during the construction and operation of the development.
We will seek to provide a measurable improvement in biodiversity on the site and for the benefit of the local area. Without the application of pesticides, the land will be further undisturbed, leading to more small invertebrates for bats and badgers to eat.
The layout will be preserving existing hedgerows and mature trees by keeping panel areas within field boundaries. We agree these habitats are important and they will also have a buffer from any panel areas.
We will be looking at tools and collaborations with people to monitor the presence of wildlife once operational.
A good source of further reading on this is within ‘The Natural Capital Value of Solar’, produced by Solar Energy UK[1].
Will the solar panels increase the risk and effects of flooding?
Research suggests that the addition of solar panels over a grassy field does not have a large effect on the volume of run-off, the peak discharge, or the time to peak discharge. Whilst the kinetic energy of water draining from the solar panel is considerably greater than that of rainfall, the presence of well-maintained grass cover and if necessary the inclusion of a buffer section, can adequately mitigate adverse hydrological impacts in the form of excess run-off or siltation of surface water through soil erosion.
An assessment of effects in relation to water resources and flood risk is to be carried out and findings will be reported in the EIAR. This will include the development of an outline surface water drainage strategy in consultation with the local authority to ascertain their requirements for Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) design.
How are you going to consider cumulative impacts from other developments in the area, particularly on traffic?
We are aware that there are a number of energy-related development proposals coming forward in the area. The EIA will include assessment of cumulative effects arising from the Proposed Development in conjunction with other proposed or consented developments. With respect to traffic, a Transport Statement will be prepared which will assess potential cumulative effects of known committed developments and outline measures to mitigate the impact of HGV traffic on the surrounding road network during construction. These measures will form part of a Construction Traffic Management Plan (CTMP) which will be agreed with East Lothian Council and Transport Scotland.
What are the community benefits and ownership?
We believe that our renewable energy schemes should also provide meaningful benefits locally. We will take guidance and learning from other projects and through engagement with organisations in Scotland. We will be able to share more about what that monetary value looks like in due course.
We recently asked the community to provide suggestions on how we could contribute to local needs and using this feedback we are exploring these opportunities. We want to share more about our plans at the next consultation and we continue to invite suggestions from stakeholders about their local projects and community priorities.
Are you really interested in engaging with the local community?
We understand that a first stage of consultation provided early information about our plans, and it came as a surprise. We know that many residents feel strongly about our plans and we want to work through questions so that everyone has correct information as we have it available.
We are planning ways to expand the frequency of information sharing about our progress. We want to create ways to engage in a productive way, so that everyone finds the opportunity beneficial.
Voltalia encourages residents to come forward and speak with us about their concerns or specific questions.