News / city leap
Planning to be submitted for solar farm enough to power 1,800 homes
The Bristol-founded public-private partnership hailed as a “blueprint” for city-level decarbonisation is set to submit a planning application for a solar farm that could generate 4.8 megawatts of clean energy.
Bristol City Leap, a partnership between Bristol City Council, Ameresco and Vattenfall Heat UK, has unveiled plans to expand its solar energy site on Severn Road in Avonmouth.
The site, owned by Bristol City Council, is already home to solar panels and two wind turbines, and is expected to see its output significantly boosted by the installation of additional panels.
The energy generated by the new array of panels is estimated to be enough to power the equivalent of 1,868 homes annually.
City Leap has said the project goes beyond green energy generation, aiming also to build energy resilience and create skilled green jobs for the local economy.
Mark Apsey, senior vice president at Ameresco, said: “Our agreement to develop this new solar farm at an existing site in Avonmouth is a positive step in our transition to clean, renewable energy for Bristol.
“From planning and construction to ongoing maintenance, this project will support skilled local jobs and strengthen our community’s economic foundation while helping to build a more sustainable future.”
Launched in 2023, City Leap is a £1bn, 20-year partnership designed to deliver long-term investment in low-carbon infrastructure, offering continuity regardless of changes in the city’s political leadership.
“By increasing the amount of renewable energy in our grid, we can significantly reduce our dependence on fossil fuels,” said Martin Fodor, chair of the environment and sustainability committee – photo: Green Party
Martin Fodor, chair of the environment and sustainability committee, said: “We are thrilled to see the development of projects like this in Bristol. Solar farms are essential to help the council reach its ambition of becoming a carbon neutral city.
“By increasing the amount of renewable energy in our grid, we can significantly reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. This project exemplifies the very reason the Bristol City Leap partnership was established.”
Recently marking its second anniversary, City Leap has already shared £1.5m under its Community Energy Fund, supporting grassroots decarbonisation initiatives with a key ambition of helping Bristol reach net zero by 2030.
Launched in 2023, City Leap has already shared funding worth £1.5m under its Community Energy Fund – photo: City Leap
Leaders of the partnership remain confident in their strategy to accelerate Bristol’s renewable energy transition, while “promoting sustainable growth and reinforcing its position as a leader in decarbonisation.”
Bristol City Leap are member of the Bristol24/7 Better Business network, an initiative to help businesses thrive while creating a positive impact on Bristol and the people who live here. As part of their membership, businesses can publish member news stories like this. For more information, visit my.bristol247.com/better-business
Main photo: Bristol City Leap
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