Plans for a huge renewable energy solar farm near Annan have been approved by councillors.
The development at Jockstown Farm near Creca will see more than 75,000 solar panels created which could potentially power a town such as Annan for 40 years.
Members of the planning applications committee were impressed with Green Energy International’s proposal.
Matthew Bayley, the company’s associate director for planning, told members that the Covid-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine and the climate crisis has led to a “turbulent few years” and soaring energy bills but solar power could help reduce them and help “to save our planet”.
He said: “The ramifications have seen an economic tidal wave throughout western Europe.
“The UK imports about 50 per cent of its gas from international markets, gas is also used as a fuel for a third of its electrical generation. Rising gas prices have led to rising energy prices.
“As a country we’re now facing an electrical crisis with the cost of electricity soaring and this has had an impact on all of us.
“Our best chance to save our planet was a generation ago. Our second-best chance is now.”
Mr Bayley added that the site could power 11,000 homes or 17 per cent of the region.
Councillor John Denerley asked why this area was chosen and Mr Bayley explained the proximity to Chapelcross was the “magnet” that attracted them to Jockstown.
The committee agreed to approve the plans subject to conditions which include a “glint and glare study” which evaluates the potential reflectivity of the solar array during its 40 year duration and an initial decommissioning strategy.
