17.04.20
Council seeks local feedback on Smart Energy Scheme
Cambridge County Council has launched a local feedback initiative for its Babraham Park and Ride Smart Energy Scheme to further its vision of delivering net zero carbon emissions in the region by 2050.
The council has invested £11m into 55 schools across the county so far to redevelop their energy programmes and constructed a 12MW solar park, generating clean energy and over £350,000 a year in net revenue to support council services.
A new 2.5WM solar car port scheme at the Babraham Park and Ride is in development just south of Cambridge, which will include battery storage and electric vehicle charging facilities.
The council is working with a local environmental charity to deliver an awareness campaign on social media this April, with surveys and a series of online events to get public input for the scheme.
The aim is to offer opportunities for local residents, commuters and businesses to feedback on proposals to transform the site into an innovative solar car port canopy with battery storage and electric vehicle charging.
It is hoped that the project blazes a trail for transport to move further away from fossil fuels and have a positive impact on air quality in the region.
The current development model could see the solar photovoltaic modules generate significant amounts of renewable electricity and avoid the release of over 6,400 tonnes of CO2.
Councillor Josh Schumann said:
“This innovative project is one of the first of its kind in the UK,”
“The success of this scheme could be replicated at park and rides across the region, paving the way for sustainable transport solutions of the future.”
The council is inviting members of the public to join a virtual video conference to hear more about the Smart Energy Scheme on April 22 and May 6 2020.
Photo: Artist's impression of the Babraham Park and Ride project