Portsmouth council could build solar farm to tackle climate emergency

The city council is currently 'exploring' the potential for the large scale renewable energy generator at Dunsbury Park in Havant.

If it gets the go ahead it would add to energy created by the council's current 26,000 panels in the city, as well as plans to install 6,000 panels on its recently purchased Lakeside Business Park in Cosham.

Portsmouth City Council's environment cabinet member, Councillor Dave Ashmore, said: 'It is definitely feasible. We need to look at how and when it can be done though. This is a positive thing and will help Portsmouth continue to be leading on climate priority.

'We have already won two awards for our work with this but we need to press forward with more solar panels. We know we have got more opportunities for it, like at Lakeside we know we can make it more environmentally friendly this way.'

The news was welcomed by Portsmouth Extinction Rebellion co-ordinator Nick Sebley. He said: 'We welcome any more solar panels, particularly a solar farm. The council needs to roll out much more renewable capacity across the city.

'For example roofs have the capacity for solar panels and greenery that help improve air quality as well as absorbing excess water to prevent floods.'

Other projects that are due this year include the installation of solar panels at Hilsea Industrial Estate, Oakdene House and Wilmcote House in the city. Between them it is predicted this will save around £30,000 in electricity costs and 105 tonnes of CO2 equivalent.

Housing chief Cllr Darren Sanders added: 'We have to make sure everything the council does contributes to tackling the climate emergency and this includes making our homes as green as possible.

'We have been talking about a solar farm for years but nothing has come of it. I hope we can get going with this long-awaited positive project.'

The council's current stock of 26,000 panels generate around £850,000 in income and savings and offset around 1,600 tonnes of CO2 every year. They provide power for more than 1,500 homes each year.

Portsmouth won Council of the Year two years in a row at the regional Energy Efficiency Awards due to its solar panel work.