Hull City Council plans to add solar rooftops and canopies on its buildings and car parks to reduce its energy costs, aid in increasing local energy security and reduce carbon emissions by an estimated 5,700 tonnes over 25 years.
They will also support the council’s goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2030, as set out in the Hull 2030 Carbon Neutral Strategy.
The majority of sites for the development of solar rooftops are located in the city centre. Some of the proposed sites for solar canopies include the Woodford and Ennerdale Leisure Centres, the Hull History Centre and Costello Stadium.
Further feasibility studies will be performed on the development of solar farms and wind turbines. The council will also look at how it can best utilise the energy – this includes the creation of an Energy Hub at the former McBrides Factory site on Stockholm Road. The energy generated has the potential to power the council’s fleet of vehicles.
Councillor Julia Conner, portfolio holder for Environment and Climate Change Lead at Hull City Council, said: “This decision is a massive step forward for the council in meeting our carbon neutral ambitions.
“The development of many decarbonisation projects like solar rooftops and canopies have huge potential to deliver carbon savings, as well as provide relief during the ongoing energy crisis. These projects play a huge part in our commitment to reducing carbon emissions and becoming carbon neutral by 2030.”
