Diageo set to construct solar energy farm in Fife

Diageo has received planning approval for a major new solar energy farm, which will be located within its Leven packaging site.

The company is set to commence work on the farm, which is being delivered in partnership with E.On and Emtec Energy and will occupy vacant land in the southeast corner of the Leven site. The solar operations will consist of 9,000 panels, covering an area the size of eight football pitches. 

Diageo’s new solar farm is expected to be one of the largest of its kind in Scotland, and will produce 4.1 megawatts of electricity while reducing CO₂ emissions by around 830 tonnes per year.

Gavin Brogan, operations director at Diageo Leven, said: “It’s fantastic to make this project a reality, creating a more resilient and energy-efficient plant. Working in partnership with E.On and Emtec Energy, the solar array will generate nearly a quarter of our annual energy use and is a fantastic step forward towards meeting our net zero commitments.”

He continued: “Diageo is well-rooted in Leven, and we are committed to playing a positive role in our local community, so we will continue to invest in projects like this one to improve our impact on the environment and future-proof our operations. We have a number of those projects in the pipeline, including looking into sustainable heating solutions which the solar farm development will help to power.” 

The project is scheduled to be completed and generating power by early 2023.