Exeter’s pioneering solar farm project shortlisted for top award

The Council’s pioneering solar farm and battery storage facility at Marsh Barton has been shortlisted for another top award.

The Water Lane Smart Grid & Storage Project is the first of its kind in the region and delivers a further step towards the City Council’s ambition of becoming Net Zero Carbon by 2030.

It has been shortlisted in the Renewable Energy Project of the Year award in the edie Net Zero awards.

A sister scheme to the edie Awards - a prestigious accolade for sustainable businesses - the new edie Net-Zero Awards have been created to recognise and reward the individuals and organisations that are spearheading the transition towards a net-zero carbon economy. 

Earlier this year the Water Lane facility was also shortlisted in the Best Climate Action and Decarbonisation Initiative category at the annual APSE Awards, which are specific to frontline services provided by UK local authorities.

Smart Grid & Storage Project is powering the city’s electric fleet of vehicles, its recycling centre and offices with green energy.

It features 3,700 solar panels which create 1.2MW of clean, renewable energy. The substantial battery facility is capable of storing 2MW and provides flexibility between peak generation and peak usage.

Part funded by the European Regional Development Fund, the facility is built on an inactive landfill site and feeds power directly to the Council’s nearby operations depot.

Cllr Josie Parkhouse, Lead Councillor for Climate and Ecological Crisis, said: “Our solar farm and storage facility is a fantastic development which is generating sustainable power and cutting our carbon emissions.

 “It is great that this pioneering facility is being recognised nationally and I am delighted to see its success given recognition by being shortlisted for these prestigious awards.”

The winners will be announced during a theatre-style awards on 15 November.