New resource helps councils explore ways to capitalise on renewable energy opportunities

A new resource has been launched by the LG Group to help councils capitalise on renewable energy opportunities.

Councils will be helped to explore ways to save money on their fuel bills and boost revenue by selling energy into the national grid.

Compare Renewables provides information on eight different renewable energy options available to councils, including details on how they work, costs, payback periods and potential returns.

It is designed in part to help councils capitalise on the deregulation of the national grid, but also provides information on how councils can use renewable energy to tackle fuel poverty, reduce carbon emissions and help developers meet sustainability standards.

Local authority renewable success includes Suffolk County Council, who have installed 20 wood-fired boilers in schools and offices. Its Wood Fuels programme now produces a total heat output of 3.2 MW at a saving of about 420 tonnes of CO2 each year.

Also, Sheffield has one of the largest district energy networks in the UK, feeding leisure facilities, council buildings, universities and homes. Heat provided by the network saves up to 21,000 tonnes of carbon emissions every year.

LGA Improvement Board Chairman, David Parsons, said: "Renewable energy offers councils a fantastic opportunity to save money, reduce carbon emissions and even generate income."

"Our new web resource allows local authority decision makers to look objectively at the wide variety of renewable options available and explore which of those might work best for them and their residents."

Further information:
Local Government Association