Council chiefs will look at whether a large-scale solar farm could be developed in Linwood.

As part of efforts to make Renfrewshire carbon neutral in eight years' time, a feasibility study is to be carried out on whether an old landfill site in Moss Road - which is now derelict - could be used for a renewable power plant.

The project has recently been signed off by both the climate change sub-committee and leadership board.

Councillor Audrey Doig, who represents the town, said she welcomed the move which could give new life to a site that has lain vacant for years.

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She said: "I am delighted at the Leadership Board’s approval of a feasibility study looking at the opportunity for a large-scale solar farm on the former landfill site at Moss Road. This could be a new green deal for Linwood.

“In many ways, Scotland has won the natural lottery in terms of its abundance of wave, wind, and solar power, which we can generate.

"Part of the Moss Road has been closed off for years but the part where the former landfill site is still open. I am very pleased that a derelict site may now be put to positive use.

“This initiative will find a new use for a site which has been non-productive for years.

"A large-scale solar farm will be increasingly important to all my constituents given the estimated massive rises in gas and electricity bills. Solar power is a key answer to this coming energy crisis."

The new project was approved as part of the council's Climate Change Action Fund which was created to support innovative initiatives in response to the climate emergency, which was declared in Renfrewshire in 2019.

To date, £933,000 out of the £1million pot has been allocated to 12 green schemes.

These include the purchase of new electric light commercial vehicles as part of the ongoing expansion of the council's fleet, energy modelling at Bridge of Weir Primary to develop energy-efficient refurbishment options for schools, and establishing a community climate fund to help organisations develop green projects.

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