Let’s Go Zero: Great British Energy Boosts Solar in Schools

Welcome, Net Zero News readers! Today, we are thrilled to share some exciting developments in the UK’s journey towards a more sustainable and resilient energy future. The government has unveiled its first major project under the banner of Great British Energy, committing an impressive £80 million to install rooftop solar panels on around 200 schools. Additionally, a further £100 million will be allocated to nearly 200 NHS sites, alongside increased support for community energy initiatives.

In a statement reflecting on this pivotal moment, Alex Green, Head of Let’s Go Zero—a zero carbon schools campaign spearheaded by the climate solutions charity Ashden—expressed enthusiasm for the potential of this initiative. She noted:

“The huge potential of Great British Energy has always been about giving citizens and communities a real stake in—and direct benefit from—the clean growth story of the 21st century. It’s great to see the first steps in that vision taking shape in schools and hospitals, which sit at the heart of every community.”

Solar energy in schools has proven to be beneficial, not only in reducing energy bills but also in inspiring the next generation and reinforcing essential public services. “Schools often lead local clean energy initiatives,” Green explained, “but these efforts rely heavily on fundraising. With greater government support, they can scale more quickly and effectively.”

Photo: Two hundred more schools will be able to save money and carbon through having new solar panels installed. Credit: Andrew Aitchison/ Ashden-Let’s Go Zero

Through Ashden’s Let’s Go Zero campaign, which has gathered the support of over 5,600 schools and represents approximately 2 million students, schools are now able to access free expert advice on decarbonisation and energy savings from local Climate Action Advisors. This includes guidance on financing options available for retrofitting and renewable energy installations.

Many schools across the UK have already embraced the clean energy mantle, collaborating with local community energy groups or local authorities to launch innovative projects. For instance, Leicestershire Solar Schools has initiated a partnership with Green Fox Community Energy, a not-for-profit society, and Leicestershire County Council to provide free, community-funded solar panels and strategic advice on climate action planning, all supported by the government’s Community Energy Fund.

In a similar vein, Tudor Grange Academy in Solihull is set to connect with the Solihull Energy Town Centre Energy Network, while Bath & Wells Community Energy has successfully installed solar panels in several schools.

Green further emphasised the importance of the support announced today from Great British Energy, stating, “This will help schools across the country replicate these initiatives, saving much-needed funds while actively participating in reducing carbon emissions.”

Moreover, she highlighted the significance of embedding behaviour change alongside renewable energy investments. “When staff and students engage in energy-saving habits and sustainability initiatives, schools can maximise their savings, enhance learning, and cultivate a culture of climate action that extends beyond the school gates. Let’s Go Zero looks forward to supporting the government in realising this potential.”

Ashden warmly welcomes the government’s commitment to support local authorities and community energy groups, with nearly £12 million earmarked to assist in the development of community-led clean energy projects. These projects are poised to generate profits that can be reinvested into local initiatives, particularly those aimed at tackling fuel poverty.

The role of community energy is crucial in the UK’s clean energy transition. Successful organisations like Low Carbon Hub, Repowering London, and Energise Barnsley demonstrate how community energy initiatives can effectively combat fuel poverty while reinvesting revenues into local social programmes, thus creating long-lasting benefits where they are most needed. Many of these community energy organisations also collaborate with schools or are part of Ashden’s Energy Learning Network, which supports community energy organisations throughout the UK.

Will Walker, Ashden’s UK Policy Lead, pointed out that public support for community energy is overwhelmingly positive, with 78% of individuals agreeing that communities should own and benefit from local energy resources. He stressed the importance of addressing financial, regulatory, and capacity challenges as the next stage in the Great British Energy journey.

“Great British Energy’s announcement today marks the beginning of a once-in-a-generation opportunity to scale community and local energy,” Walker stated. “This initiative is not just about generating power; it’s about fostering resilience against energy price increases, cultivating local wealth, and instilling pride in the communities where people live, work, and play.”

He also expressed hope that the government would move away from previous inconsistent policy changes, urging for certainty regarding the full £3.3 billion Local Power Plan at the upcoming Spending Review. To realise its full potential, he highlighted the need for long-term funding, prioritised capacity support for low-income communities, and market and policy reforms that guarantee fair returns and genuine community benefits.

Walker concluded by reaffirming Ashden’s commitment to supporting Great British Energy’s inaugural investments in schools and communities. He underscored the necessity of placing young people and local communities at the heart of national renewal. “Success will depend on collaboration among government, communities, and both the public and private sectors,” he said. “This is a positive step towards safeguarding public services and delivering resilient, future-ready schools. We stand ready to assist the government in achieving their target of 8GW of community and local power, as well as decarbonising and adapting the entire school estate.”

As we witness these exciting developments, it’s clear that the path to net zero involves not just ambitious policies but also active participation from communities and institutions alike. The initiatives driven by Great British Energy and supported by organisations like Ashden demonstrate a commitment to fostering a sustainable and equitable energy future, paving the way for a cleaner, greener Britain.

We will continue to monitor and report on these developments, ensuring that our community remains informed and engaged in the journey towards net zero. Together, we can champion the cause of sustainability and ensure that future generations inherit a world that is not only livable but thriving in harmony with nature.

Stay tuned for more updates, and remember, every step towards sustainability matters!