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Multi-million pound solar project to boost Gateshead businesses

More than one thousand homes and fifty public buildings across Gateshead are set to save on energy costs and reduce their carbon emissions in a multi-million pound solar project, benefitting businesses within the region.

Building on the success of the Warm Up North partnership, Gateshead Council is working with British Gas on the project, which will see roof mounted solar panels installed on a number of public buildings.

In total, the panels will generate 8.5 megawatts of power per year, helping to supply clean, green electricity worth an estimated £750k per year and will also save around 4,000 tonnes of carbon emissions per year.

The first solar panels are being installed at Gateshead College’s Academy for Sport - next door to Gateshead International Stadium and Birtley Leisure Centre. Three schools are also being included in the first phase, while other buildings include Gateshead Civic Centre.

Up to 12 schools, academies and other public organisations are set to benefit from the second stage of the project when works start later this year. Over the next three years, there are plans to install more panels on schools and around 1,000 council owned homes.

Paul Dowling, Strategic Director of Communities and Environment for Gateshead Council described the work as “transforming how Gateshead consumes energy” and “reducing dependence on the fluctuations of the energy market.”

Mr Dowling, said: “This programme will transform how Gateshead generates energy, saving money and reducing emissions on a significant scale.

“Whether you’re running a home, a business or even a council, energy bills are a seemingly ever increasing proportion of costs. These installations will reduce dependence on the fluctuations of the energy market.

“We expect that the energy package we can offer will not only benefit people and businesses already here but act as an incentive for more families and companies to choose Gateshead too.”

Chris Morrison, Head of Solar for British Gas, said: “We’re proud to be working on this groundbreaking project with Gateshead Council. We are delivering a specialist designed system for the council that will use solar technology to secure long-term energy savings for the local community”.

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