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London landmarks will soon be powered by Dorset solar farm

The solar energy partnership will not only cut London’s emissions but will also save over £3 million in energy costs every year.  

Major London landmarks, including Tower Bridge, Hampstead Heath and the Barbican Centre, will powered by a solar energy farm in Dorset from next year.  

The City of London Corporation announced the £40m deal which will ensure half of the governing body’s electricity will be provided by the site from January 1.  

This will cover several schools, social housing, open spaces and wholesale markets which are provided by the Corporation.  

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Sustainable energy will also be supplying historic buildings at Guildhall, Smithfield Market and famous criminal court the Old Bailey.  

Chairman of the City Corporation’s Environment Committee, Keith Bottomley, said: ‘This scheme is a pioneering blueprint by the City Corporation for local authorities across the UK, cutting carbon emissions and giving cheaper, more secure energy, protected from the price volatility of energy markets. 

‘The deal will increase our green energy supply, has no reliance on taxpayer funding, and helps us transition quickly away from fossil fuels.’  

The agreement was reached with energy provider Voltalia to provide the City Corporation with all the electricity produced by the new solar farm for the next 15 years.  

A significant amount of electricity will be provided by the large solar farm which has 91,000 panel and a capacity of 49.9 megawatts – the equivalent of the annual electricity consumption of around 35,000 people.  

The UK’s first Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) to be signed directly with a renewable energy producer and local governing authority will help to transition London away from fossil fuels.  

This will boost the City of London Corporation’s climate ambitions which includes aims to reach net zero in its operations by 2027 and in its investments and supply chain by 2040.  

Over £800,000 has also been invested in companies within 25 miles of the scheme to support local businesses.  

Photo by Red Zeppelin

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