SSE Energy Solutions is to build a 7MW solar array to help power Highland Spring’s Perthshire production facility.
The 23-acre project will supply up to a quarter of the Blackford facilities’ electricity needs with construction due to start this summer.
It is expected the solar farm will be fully operational by early 2026 and will power the manufacturing site and offices.
In addition, the project benefits the local community through a low-impact design and free electricity for Blackford Primary School, which currently uses oil for its central heating allowing it to decarbonise.
The solar project is part of SSE’s Net Zero Acceleration Programme Plus, through which the group is investing £20bn in green energy projects by 2030.
In recent years Highland Spring Group has accelerated its business decarbonisation roadmap, delivering projects and initiatives in collaboration with customers and partners which reduce emissions across their entire operations from ‘source to shelf’.
It was one of the first companies in the UK to have its science-based net-zero target approved by the Science Based Target initiative (SBTi) under the Net-Zero Standard and recently attained a B score from the Climate Disclosure Project (CDP) for its work to address climate change.
Stuart Batty, SSE Energy Solutions Senior Project Development, said:
“This partnership with Highland Spring marks a key step in Scotland’s renewable energy journey. By uniting our expertise with Highland Spring’s sustainable leadership, the 7MW solar project is a fantastic example of local power in action, decarbonising businesses and enhancing energy resilience for the community.”
Jim Fairlie, MSP for Perthshire South and Kinross-shire, said:
“Highland Spring is an important local employer which has done a power of work in recent years to decarbonise. I welcome this partnership between Highland Spring and SSE Energy Solutions, and the community benefit that it will bring both for the school and for the community through the EV chargers.”
Simon Oldham, Managing Director, Highland Spring Group, said:
“Environmental and social responsibility have always been at the heart of our purpose and this project not only positively supports our sustainability strategy but our good neighbour programme too.
“Harnessing the renewable energy transition is a key part of our journey towards a zero-carbon future, and we are delighted to have collaborated with SSE to bring this solar site to life.”
Margaret McMillan, Head Teacher, Blackford Primary School, said:
“The solar farm is a major development for the local community and on behalf of the entire school I am delighted that we will benefit in a tangible way from Highland Spring’s focus on renewable, sustainable energy.”
Councillor Liz Barrett, Perth and Kinross Council’s Climate Change and Sustainability Vice-Convener, commented:
“The impact of climate change means we all need to consider renewable sources wherever we can as the way forward for energy generation.
“This is a major project for the Blackford area, and I warmly welcome the valuable support to local life that Highland Spring and SSE will provide through the solar farm both in EV chargers for community use and significantly, a free electricity supply for Blackford Primary School.”
Image courtesy of SSE Energy. (From l-r) Stuart Batty, senior project development manager for SSE Energy Solutions; Simon Oldham, managing director of Highland Spring Group; Cllr Liz Barrett, Perth and Kinross Council; Jim Fairlie, MSP for Perthshire South and Kinross-shire.
