West Sussex County Council is expanding its solar boost initiative to 60 more sites, including schools and public buildings, to cut carbon emissions and reach carbon neutrality by 2030. Existing solar projects already generate 17,000 megawatt-hours of clean electricity each year, which powers 6,300 homes.
Expanding Solar Power Across West Sussex
West Sussex County Council is set to expand its solar boost initiative, bringing renewable energy to more schools, libraries, fire stations, and other public buildings across the county. The council’s Solar Photovoltaic (PV) and Battery Storage programme is growing rapidly, with plans to install new systems at 60 additional sites.
Currently, solar PV systems are generating clean electricity at 74 schools, while solar panels are installed in nine council buildings. The council also operates two solar farms in Tangmere and Westhampnett. These combined efforts produce around 17,000 megawatt-hours of electricity each year, which is enough to power approximately 6,300 homes without generating carbon emissions.
The solar boost expansion will further increase these numbers. New sites will include a variety of public buildings, from schools and libraries to fire stations. Each site will be equipped with solar panels and battery storage systems, thus enabling them to generate, store, and use their renewable energy. Any excess energy will either be stored for later use or exported to the national grid, depending on the specific needs of each location.
Key Benefits of the Solar Boost Programme
One of the main benefits of the solar boost programme is the reduction of carbon emissions from public buildings. By generating clean electricity on-site, schools and other facilities will significantly lower their environmental impact. This shift to renewable energy will also help the council meet its climate goals, particularly its target of becoming a carbon-neutral organisation by 2030.
Another significant advantage is the reduction in energy costs. By producing their electricity, schools and public buildings will be less dependent on the national grid and less vulnerable to fluctuating energy prices. This financial stability is especially important given the recent volatility in energy markets. Cheaper and cleaner electricity will allow schools to allocate more resources to educational programmes and student support.
The programme will also enhance energy resilience across the county. With battery storage systems in place, public buildings will have a reliable backup supply of energy. This means they can continue to operate smoothly even during power outages or periods of high demand on the national grid. Increased energy independence will be particularly valuable for critical services such as fire stations and emergency response facilities.
In addition to environmental and financial benefits, the solar programme offers valuable educational opportunities. Schools involved in the initiative will be able to incorporate renewable energy into their curriculum. Students will gain first-hand experience with solar power and battery technology, which helps them understand the importance of sustainability and environmental stewardship.
Council Leadership on Climate Action
Deborah Urquhart, Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change, highlighted the importance of this initiative. “This programme demonstrates our dedication to creating a more sustainable West Sussex,” she said. “By embracing solar power and the use of zero-carbon electricity, we are reducing our reliance on fossil fuels, cutting carbon emissions, and providing real learning opportunities for future generations.”
The solar boost installations will be handled by a Sussex-based contractor, which will support local businesses. This approach will also reduce the environmental impact of transportation and logistics. The county council will fully fund the installations and maintain the systems throughout their lifetime, ensuring a smooth transition to renewable energy for all participating buildings.
“By investing in renewable energy and supporting the 'buildings and energy' pathway of our Climate Action and Adaptation Plan, we are taking steps that will make a real difference in protecting our environment and building a brighter future for everyone,” Urquhart noted.
West Sussex County Council’s solar boost represents a major step forward in the county’s commitment to sustainability and renewable energy. By installing solar PV and battery storage systems at 60 new sites, the council is reducing carbon emissions. This initiative is also cutting energy costs and increasing energy resilience. This initiative supports the council’s goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2030 and offers valuable educational opportunities for students.