23 hours Ago
More schools and buildings in West Sussex will soon generate their own renewable energy. West Sussex County Council is expanding its solar photovoltaic (PV) and battery storage programme. It plans to install new renewable energy systems at 60 more sites across the county, including libraries, fire stations and schools.
Excess energy will be stored in batteries for later use or exported to the national grid, depending on each site's setup and needs. Solar PV systems are already generating energy at 74 schools and solar panels have been installed at nine council buildings. This is in addition to the county council's two solar farms at Tangmere and Westhampnett.
In total, the council is currently generating around 17,000 Megawatt-hours of clean electricity each year. This is enough electricity to power approximately 6,300 homes with energy that does not produce any carbon emissions. The programme is helping the council to reach a target of being a carbon-neutral organisation by 2030.
Councillor Deborah Urquhart, West Sussex County Council cabinet member for environment and climate change, said: "By embracing solar power and the use of zero-carbon electricity, we are reducing our reliance on fossil fuels, reducing carbon emissions, and providing real learning opportunities for future generations." The installations will be carried out by a Sussex-based contractor to support local businesses and minimise the environmental impact. The county council will fully fund the installation and maintain the systems throughout their lifetime.
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