Greater Manchester councils secure renewable energy funding

Five Greater Manchester councils and the Energy Systems Catapult have secured funding to develop 10 renewable schemes across the city-region.

The project aims to create a blueprint for other UK cities to deliver clean energy as part of net zero carbon emissions targets.

Unlocking Clean Energy in Greater Manchester (UCEGM) brings together five local authorities that have declared a “climate emergency” – Manchester, Rochdale, Salford, Stockport, and Wigan – to develop clean energy infrastructure on under-utilised council-owned sites.

The three-year, £17.2 million project, led by Energy Systems Catapult, will develop 10 MW of solar photovoltaic and hydro-electric generation (including three rooftop solar schemes in Stockport), battery storage, electric vehicle charging infrastructure and smart energy management systems. £8.6 million of the funding for the renewable energy projects will come from the European Regional Development Fund.

Electricity generated in the schemes will be distributed as part of Greater Manchester’s emerging Local Energy Market.

Richard Halsey, Capabilities Director at Energy Systems Catapult, said:

This project represents the opportunity to create a blueprint that is replicable and can help delivery of smarter cleaner local energy systems, minimise costs and carbon emissions.

“It will deliver new renewable energy generation on under-utilised public land.  It will incorporate energy storage and electric vehicle charging using digital systems to better align variable renewable generation to meet future local energy demands.

“Finally it will develop innovative business models that can unlock private sector investment and grow local businesses.”

Cllr Elise Wilson, Leader of Stockport Council, said:

Stockport welcomes this fantastic opportunity to develop innovative roof top solar PV schemes on key properties at Merseyway and Stockport Exchange in the town centre and at our depot, Endeavour House. These schemes will be lead the way in how we produce local clean energy in the future, reducing our carbon footprint, and helping to tackle climate change.”