Economic Impact & Other Benefits

This proposal has the potential to

Provide green energy for 35,000 homes
(based on DESNZ statistics).

Displace 48,000 tonnes of CO2 annually
(based on DUKES data).

Community benefit package set at £400 per megawatt (MW) of solar export capacity. Based on an estimated 100MW of solar generation, this would equate to an annual contribution of £40,000, totalling £1,600,000 over the projected 40-year operational lifespan of the energy park.

We are excited to see Woodheads Energy Park bring a wide array of economic benefits to the region, including driving key policy objectives and creating local supply chain opportunities.

• The proposal directly aligns with NPF4 Policy 11 ‘maximising economic benefits’ and indirectly with Policy 25 on ‘community wealth building’.
• The proposal in direct support of regional strategies, the Regional Economic Strategy (RES) for the South of Scotland and the Scottish Borders Council Strategies, that focus on green growth, community empowerment and quality of life.

This proposal could create significant work opportunities in the region:

• With an anticipated 24-month construction programme, it is expected to require around 40 full-time jobs during construction period, with a peak employment of 80 employees.
• Throughout its operational lifetime, the scheme is anticipated to produce full time jobs for operations and maintenance purposes (O&M), likely to be filled by people living locally.

The proposal will also provide significant contributions to local revenues, offer valuable community benefits, support local community investments, and improve land management and environmental sustainability.

• Potential of bringing around £2.1 million to the Scottish economy, which can benefit Scottish Borders businesses as they will be encouraged to tender for construction contracts.
• During operation, the scheme has the potential to drive £283k annually into the Scottish Borders economy.