Warrington UK's first local authority to produce all its own electricity

The “UK’s most advanced hybrid solar farm” to Warrington Borough Council has been completed and handed over by Gridservice. The 34.7MWp solar farm at York is pioneering a new commercial model using 30 MWh of battery storage and sophisticated technologies to maximise revenues and help balance the grid – both during the day with direct solar generation and at night with energy stored in the 30MW battery.

The project generates enough energy to supply a town. In addition, Warrington Borough Council is also purchasing a second 25.7MWp solar farm at Hull, which is due to be handed over early next year. The deal will make it the first UK local authority to produce all its own electricity. Gridservice will operate and maintain both projects over their lifetimes.

Electricity from York hybrid solar farm will be sold on the open market while Hull will supply all the council’s energy needs. Warrington expects the two projects to generate millions of pounds in profits every year.

Warrington Borough Council Leader, Cllr Russ Bowden, said this is “a huge milestone for the council” and will “help us secure our energy supply, give us control over our energy prices, and contribute to reducing fuel poverty.”

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