A mini solar farm is set to be built at Edinburgh Zoo in a move towards using renewable energy to power the popular attraction.
Plans to site 1,870 solar panels across a hectare of an un-utilised northern section of the zoo, near to the giraffe enclosure, are set to go before councillors for approval on Wednesday (October 5).
An 'energy education centre' is also proposed as part of the development to educate visitors about the "importance of renewable energy and sustainability, with emphasis on the benefits of the installation to the zoo".
READ MORE: Edinburgh Council reports 'pulled and re-written' as tech problem hits meeting
According to plans, which were lodged with the council last year, the new solar farm will have a total generating capacity of one megawatt, which is equal to 1,000 kilowatts of electricity used continuously for one hour.
"The array will generate electricity feeding directly into Edinburgh Zoo, contributing towards their targets of becoming a greener business with a reduced carbon footprint from their operations," plans add.
"With a reduced reliance on the national grid network the sites operations will benefit from energy and financial security.
"During the winter months the Zoo has a high energy requirement for heating the many animal enclosures, during these times it is expected that all energy produced by the array will be utilised onsite, however during warmer seasons excess energy will be exported to the grid.
"It is anticipated that the operational period of the array will be 30 years with provision for it to be decommissioned afterwards.
"There is overall support for renewable energy deployment throughout Scotland. With a national drive towards increased energy generation from renewable sources added to the energy mix, support for well sited developments is encouraged."
Edinburgh Zoo claimed that even with the UK's levels of sunshine, the panels will ‘pay back’ this energy cost in less than three years.
They added: "Utilising solar energy at the site to offset grid electricity will contribute positively towards targets set by the Government, providing the site with a supply enhancing the green credentials of the business."
Urging councillors on the planning sub-committee to grant permission when they meet this week, officials said the proposals are acceptable but warned no trees should be cut down or damaged to make way for solar panels.
READ NEXT:
Edinburgh Halloween rave gets go-ahead despite drug misuse concerns
Collapse of Edinburgh Christmas market deal leaves councillors demanding answers
Edinburgh Christmas markets 'expected to go ahead' despite organisers pulling out
- Edinburgh homes set for approval despite barking and Seafield sewage smell fears
Edinburgh rent freeze could halt work on affordable house building
