Sheffield Renewables have delivered their third community owned renewable energy scheme, a 50kW solar array panel at Attercliffe police station.

This project is part of wider efforts by South Yorkshire Police to increase its sustainability, which will also help to reduce energy costs.

A locally based community share offer, sourced through Sheffield Renewables, paid for the panel which cost £61,500, and Attercliffe Police Station will now benefit from a 20% reduction on their energy bills and an annual saving of 16.5 tonnes of CO₂.

Alan Billings, South Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner visited the scheme during construction,

“It is important that we all do our bit to reduce the carbon footprint.  South Yorkshire Police have now moved to providing sustainable energy at a number of its police stations, which is going a long way to reducing the Force’s overall carbon footprint. 

“With the cost effectiveness of these solar panels, it will also contribute to savings.  I am very supportive of the initiative.”

Julia Carrell, Director at Sheffield Renewables said, “This project excellently demonstrates how community energy groups can work with larger organisations, to the benefit of the local and wider community. Not only reducing carbon emissions but also offering a source of ethical investment for locals, and cost savings for our local police force.”

Sheffield Renewables are working towards developing 500 kW of renewable energy in the Sheffield City Region over the next 5 years. Work has started to identify more suitable sites. Proposals by the current Government to scrap renewable energy subsidies will make this more challenging, but Sheffield Renewables are committed to exploring new ways of funding schemes. In the mean time they are assisting in the fight to save these subsidies.

Picture from left to right: Alan Billings, Police and Crime Commissioner, Danielle Taylor, SYP Sustainability Manager, Julia Carrell, Sheffield Renewables, Chris Neil, Solar Installer, Homeco