Mid Devon District Council will look into expanding solar panel installations on public buildings following successful results in reducing carbon emissions at three leisure centres
Mid-Devon District Council has seen positive results in reducing carbon emissions following the installation of solar panels on three leisure centres. The buildings were also equipped with heat pumps.
Reducing carbon emissions
In the financial year 2024-2025, the council’s carbon emissions increased to 18,364, representing a 2% rise. However, the overall emissions from public buildings and social housing have decreased.
The leisure centres equipped with public solar panels saw a 17% decrease in CO2 emissions, dropping from 585 tonnes to 484.
Jason Ball, Mid Devon’s climate and sustainability specialist said: “We’re looking at installation [of solar panels] on other assets and we hope to have an announcement on that soon.”
Councillor Luke Taylor, leader of the council, said: “This council is still persevering with our Net Zero targets and we are not denying the climate change that is very much impacting the entire planet.”
Planning permission for the UK’s largest solar farm was granted this year
In October, permission was granted for plans for Tillbridge Solar Farm, which will be the UK’s largest solar farm, as of writing.
Located in Lincolnshire, the plans have been controversial, with many local residents having complained about the plans, which will cover more than 1,200 hectares. At this size, it is expected that the solar farm will generate enough energy to power 300,000 homes at a 500MW capacity.
Roger Mortlock, CPRE chief executive, said: ““The approval of a mega solar farm covering an area of high-quality farmland the size of Heathrow Airport highlights a deeply concerning trend: industrialising the countryside with ground-mounted solar while too many rooftops remain unused.
“We don’t need mega solar farms in the countryside.
“Previous CPRE research has shown that installing solar panels on the roofs of suitable domestic and industrial buildings, as well as on car parks, could easily deliver over 60% of the government’s target for solar energy.”
However, despite concerns, permission has been granted for the project.
Chief executive of Tribus Clean Energy, Luke Murray, said: “We’re delighted to have confirmation that Tillbridge Solar has been granted consent, and we can’t wait for the project to start delivering clean energy for people across the UK.
“As we head to construction, we’re committed to continuing our work with local communities to ensure the project is delivered in a way which respects and works with the area.”
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