Plans have been revealed for an ‘innovative’ green energy project sporting 3,700 solar panels with the ability to power Exeter City Council’s fleet of electric vehicles.
The proposed ‘smart grid’ is earmarked for a plot in Water Lane, Marsh Barton, currently used as a storage facility.
It would connect to the National Grid and helping the city in reaching its target of becoming carbon neutral by 2030.
Plans are to provide 3,702 solar panels, two battery storage containers and an electricity switch room. The site would be screened off by existing trees and bushes.
Plans for the ‘smart grid’ at Marsh Barton.
The facility would be connected up to the council’s operational depot in Exton Road.
This would enabling the local authority to provide green electricity to its fleet – including refuse and recycling vehicles – and replace its diesel vehicles to improve air quality.
Surplus energy would be fed into the National Grid during times of peak energy demand, says the council.
If given the go-ahead, the project will be made possible thanks to a grant from the European Regional Development Fund.
It is hoped that the project will be up and running by 2021.
