Published: 14 Jul 2023, 12:32
This formerly disused carpark at Cranfield University, UK, has been transformed with solar panels from Qcells. Image: Qcells
Qcells and RenEnergy are helping to turn 4,000 m2 of disused space at Cranfield University in Bedfordshire, UK, into an energy saving hub with funding from the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme.
The project has seen the installation of 900kW of ground mounted solar built by RenEnergy with Qcells PV technology.
Damian Baker, Managing Director of RenEnergy, said: “We have a long-standing relationship with Cranfield University, where we have designed and installed solutions since 2018 to support the university’s carbon and energy management goals.”
The project sits on a formerly disused car park, and will deliver CO₂ emission savings of an estimated 377,421 kg/year, aiding the university’s target of net zero emissions by 2030.
The project was awarded £16.3 million across two successful bids from the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, initiated by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and delivered by Salix Finance.
#Solar on Campus: This near-1 MW PV system installed by @RenEnergyUK on a disused carpark at @CranfieldUni uses #Qcells modules to help the university meet its Net Zero goals ????Read the full story here ➡️https://t.co/ok71ZFWYgP #UK #cleanenergy pic.twitter.com/dL1cu9QXIS
— Qcells Europe (@Qcells_EU) July 13, 2023
Ross Kent, head of sales UK, Ireland and Scandinavia for Qcells, said: “The addition of a close-to 1 MW solar array at one of the UK’s leading higher education institutes is another encouraging step along the road to decarbonisation.”
“Our hope is that the sight of this solar array can inspire Cranfield University’s students on a daily basis, and ultimately help accelerate the UK’s transition to a greener future.”
Director of Programmes at Salix Finance Ian Rodger said: “We are delighted that an unused plot of land can be turned into an innovative project which should ultimately produce carbon savings.”
Phase 3c of the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme will open to applications in autumn 2023. Phase 3a of the Scheme has seen 170 public sector organisations awarded grants for 231 energy efficiency and heat decarbonisation projects, with a total value of £613,202,091 as of May 2023.