A proposal from the Council’s Cabinet to invest £1 million in a Green Investment and Job Opportunities Fund could create many new jobs in the local renewable energy industry.
The idea is for the Council to invest in local renewable energy, such as solar panel technology and hydro-electric power, which could create jobs for those projects and yield a net return to local taxpayers of a predicted 2% per year from the electricity generated repaying the investment within 15 years.
Regen SW, the leading centre of sustainable energy expertise and pioneering project delivery, believes that some 24,000 extra jobs in the south west could be created through meeting its 19TWh renewable energy target – with the local area reaching 2,000; the £1 million will help secure a proportion of those.
Councillor Paul Crossley (Lib-Dem, Southdown), Leader of Council, said, “Our area is a hotbed for hi-tech industries, including renewables. This proposed investment by Bath & North East Somerset Council would take advantage of a culture of innovation to create new jobs, develop a low carbon community less dependent on fossil fuels and further enhance our reputation as a green powerhouse for renewables both south west and nationwide.”
The Council would work in partnership with a local energy provider that would be selected through a procurement process.
There are already examples of renewable energy sources being used on public buildings through the Council’s partnership with Bath & West Community Energy. Solar panels are already on selected school buildings at Oldfield Park Infants School, Newbridge Primary School, St. Martin’s Garden Primary, Ralph Allen Secondary, Oldfield Secondary and Peasedown Primary School.
Acting Head Teacher of Oldfield Park Infants School, Peter George, said, “We were very keen to be involved in the solar panel project, both saving energy for the school and reducing our reliance on fossil fuels.
“There is something empowering about a school, or any organisation or business, generating their own energy through renewable sources and working with local organisations to become more environmentally sustainable.”
In December, the Council was named the Most Proactive Public Sector Body in the South West Green Energy Awards 2013 after competing against other public sector bodies from across the south west such as colleges, local authorities, health bodies, fire services and the police.
The Government has also showcased the work of the Council with social enterprise Bath & West Community Energy in its National Community Energy Strategy as an example of best practice.
The Cabinet proposal will be discussed on 12th February 2014, 6.30pm, Guildhall. The final budget decision lies with the Council on 18 February, 6.30pm, Guildhall.
