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We are delighted to announce that we have successfully secured £40,000 from the Government’s Community Energy Fund, received through the Midlands Net Zero Hub. This funding will enable us to conduct a new study on the feasibility of community-owned solar car parks in the Derbyshire Dales.

Solar car parks are car parks which have a canopy constructed over them, enabling electricity-generating solar panels to sit on top. In our study, we’ll be looking at using some of the electricity for nearby council offices and businesses, and some for EV chargers to encourage residents and visitors to switch to electric cars.

We’ve partnered with Derbyshire Dales District Council, who own many of the car parks and have been incredibly supportive of the project. Sharenergy will be conducting the technical and financial feasibility assessments, to find a model that is viable. We’ll explore ways to maximise aesthetics and biodiversity impacts, as well as ways to improve safety and security within the car parks.

Do you live in the Derbyshire Dales? If so, there will be a chance to have your say and get involved! We’ll be running a survey and hosting local events to hear what you think and address any potential issues. Please keep an eye on our website for info, or send an email to Lucy at derbyshiredalescommunityenergy@gmail.com to make sure that you are included.

We are very excited to have found a new opportunity to decarbonise our beautiful region, support local councils and businesses, and help the transition to net zero.

There’s even more good news – 5 other Derbyshire-based community energy groups have secured CEF funding this year too!

• Hope Valley Community Energy will be undertaking a project called ‘Hope Valley Rural Retrofit’, to help decarbonise fuel-poor homes
• Belper Community Energy will be creating a renewable energy strategy for the Whitemoor area of Belper, encompassing a school, leisure centre and surrounding community
• Brassington Community Heating are conducting a feasibility study to create an ambitious heat network, enabling the entire village to come off oil and LPG
• Darley Community Energy are midway through their feasibility study to reinstate hydro power in Darley Abbey
• Bonsall Energy Group is exploring which renewable energy options are best for the village – with a focus on wind and solar

There is much to celebrate in Derbyshire’s climate journey!

Big Solar’s Annual Gathering is coming up, on Friday 4th October. We will be there to hear the latest project updates and explore the next steps for funding and enabling more community energy across the UK under the Labour government. One of our Co-Chairs and founding members, Dr Steve Martin, will be participating in an insightful panel discussion on the ‘Clean Energy Revolution in Derbyshire’, alongside colleagues working on community energy projects in the county.

The event is free – please join us! The agenda and sign-up link is here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/big-solar-gathering-2024-registration-925173066547

It will be held at the Derby Museum and Art Gallery, 10am – 4.30pm. Vegetarian/vegan lunch is provided.

For a further insight into the work of Big Solar, check out their summer update 👇