Issue - meetings

In April 2024, Grand Union Community Energy (GUCE), in partnership with Three Rivers District Council (TRDC), was awarded a £40,000 grant from the Greater South East Net Zero Hub’s Community Energy Fund (CEF) to assess the feasibility of installing solar canopies in council-owned car parks funded by community investment.

A team of technical, legal, financial and community engagement experts collaborated to evaluate the feasibility of installing solar canopies in seven TRDC-owned car parks.

Recommendations

That Members agree to:

       i.          Officers pursuing the development of business cases for solar canopies at William Penn Leisure Centre car park and the Rose Garden car park, utilising a blend of grant funding, and internal budgets.

      ii.          Note that the Feasibility Study detailed in Attachment 2 will be shared with the GSENZH, and neighbouring authorities in Hertfordshire.

The Climate Change and Sustainability Strategy Officer introduced the report.

Members raised concerns about the high capital costs and long break-even periods for these projects, questioning their viability given the uncertainty of future technology and potential changes in local authority status.

Councillor Anne Winter left the meeting at 20:50 and returned at 20:52.

Officers responded indicating that while the project appear technically feasible, further financial analysis is needed to determine their viability, and no commitments have been made. The conversation also touched on the complexities of the business cases, potential grants, and the importance of not becoming overly committed to these projects without clear financial justification. Members expressed scepticism regarding the cost estimates provided by the National Wealth Fund and emphasised the need for caution in pursuing these initiatives.

Councillor Chris Lloyd moved the recommendation as set out in the report.

On being put to the committee the motion was declared CARRIED by the Chair, the voting being by general assent.

RESOLVED:

that Members agree to:

       i.          Officers pursuing the development of business cases for solar canopies at William Penn Leisure Centre car park and the Rose Garden car park, utilising a blend of grant funding, and internal budgets.

      ii.          Note that the Feasibility Study detailed in Attachment 2 will be shared with the GSENZH, and neighbouring authorities in Hertfordshire.