A solar canopy project that EvoEnergy implemented for the British Antarctic Survey (BAS), image credit EvoEnergy.

How solar energy will help Hull City Council reach net zero

Last month, it was announced that Hull City Council have appointed specialists in the renewable energy sector to assess the feasibility of the council’s corporate sites for installation of a number of green energy projects.

The council are looking at installing rooftop solar photovoltaics (PV), solar farms, wind turbines and solar canopies across their corporate sites.

It comes as the council has this week announced its participation in the new Oh Yes! Net Zero campaign, encouraging local businesses and residents to drive down their emissions and take positive action on climate change.

Hull City Council have appointed the Locogen Group, award-winning specialists in the renewable energy sector, to assess the feasibility of the council’s corporate sites for installation of rooftop solar photovoltaics (PV) and solar farms. They are a UK-based company who develop, build, and operate renewable energy systems including wind, solar, and hydro (water) projects.

Solar PV is the generation of electricity using energy from the sun.

EvoEnergy Ltd will be assessing council vehicle car parks for the installation of solar canopies. They are a UK-based award-winning company specialising in renewable technology energy company. They develop design, construct, monitor and maintain renewable energy systems including solar canopy structures, batteries and EV charging networks for public sector and private sector companies.

Wardell Armstrong LLP will be in charge of assessing council sites for the installation of wind turbines. They are an environmental and engineering consultancy with over 180 years of experience in the sector.

These projects form an important part of the council’s mission to become carbon neutral by 2030. The council becoming carbon neutral would mean that that any carbon emissions would be compensated by CO2 reductions or removals. You can find more information on the council’s vision for carbon neutrality here. The council aims to produce no carbon emissions by 2040.

All three companies are market leaders in the renewable energy field. The studies undertaken will involve high-level desktop analysis, site visits and detailed project development.

Councillor Rosie Nicola, portfolio holder for environmental services, said: “In 2019, the council made a commitment to become carbon neutral by 2030. The plans to install renewable, solar energy form an essential part of that plan and will help us get closer to that goal.

“The installation of solar power would increase the council’s renewable energy production, decrease its reliance on power from other sources and increase local energy security and resilience. It could also have the potential to provide the council with a long-term, low-carbon source of revenue.”

Kevin McKoen, Principal Consultant at Locogen, said: “We are delighted to help Hull City Council meet their carbon neutral objectives by 2030. Their dedication to this goal is admirable and something we hope other Councils will take inspiration from.”

Diala Isid, Renewable Energy Consultant at EvoEnergy said: “We are proud to have been given the opportunity to support Hull City Council on their journey to become carbon neutral by 2030. This study will demonstrate the capability of solar canopies and the potential benefits it can provide to reduce reliance on grid energy, provide a greener source of energy and improve driver’s experience. Hull City Council is setting a fantastic example in the drive towards creating a more sustainable future.”

Ian Gillard Associate Director – Energy & Climate Change at Wardell Armstrong said: “Wind energy is a mature renewable energy source that has been successfully deployed in many countries. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change estimate wind power could grow to meet more than 20% of global electricity demand in 2050. This shows the importance of investing in and scaling up wind power capacity.”

To find out more about the Oh Yes! Net Zero campaign, access advice and tips about reducing your carbon footprint and sign up to be part of it visit www.ohyesnetzero.co.uk.

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