Gateshead council shines light on plans to "more than double" area's solar energy

Plans have been approved which will more than double the amount of solar energy created by Gateshead Council.

New proposals will see a programme of solar photo-voltaic (PV) installations to new and existing buildings as the council aims to help combat climate change.

They will also lead to two new urban solar farms being created in the region, with one at the Baltic Quarter and another near Gateshead Stadium.

The plans also include the installation of solar PV canopies above car parking bays.

Councillor John McElroy, Cabinet member for transport and the environment, commented: “These are bold plans, and exactly the sort of measures we need to help tackle climate change.

“Rural solar farms are becoming more common in the UK, but urban solar farms are not.

“Using land set aside for future development to generate something as useful as solar energy is a great way to use an under-utilised asset, reduce our carbon footprint and bring it much closer to where the power is used.

“These and a host of other measures we currently have in development will further reduce our reliance on energy generated from fossil fuels and will make a positive contribution to our fight against climate change.”

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