Bristol City Leap, the pioneering joint energy venture between Bristol City Council and Ameresco, will submit a planning application to install additional solar panels at a dynamic site owned by Bristol City Council, already hosting an established solar farm and two wind turbines.
The solar project located on Severn Road, Avonmouth, will install a capacity of 4.8 Megawatts. It is expected that the clean energy produced will be sufficient to power the equivalent of 1,868 homes each year, thereby contributing to cleaner air and fostering sustainable energy.
This initiative marks a significant milestone in Bristol’s commitment to achieving its decarbonisation targets and bolstering the city’s renewable energy infrastructure. By reducing carbon emissions, these projects are poised to make a substantial impact on the city’s sustainable future.
Renewable energy initiatives do more than harness clean energy; they also strengthen the resilience of communities by enhancing energy security and creating much-needed local jobs. With a proven track record, these projects ensure that both the environment and local populations can thrive together.
Mark Apsey MBE, 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.”
Councillor 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.”
This local renewable project is integral to Bristol City Leap’s mission, which is focused on supporting the city’s goal of reaching net zero by 2030. The chosen site was selected based on comprehensive criteria, including, connectivity to the local grid, and its potential for energy generation.
Bristol City Leap is dedicated to actively engaging with local communities to ensure that the city’s renewable energy objectives align with the diverse needs and interests of nearby residents.
Over the next year, the partnership plans to host community engagement events, inviting residents to learn more about the project and its benefits. Further details will be shared on the Bristol City Leap website as they become available. This project embodies the same values as all Bristol City Leap initiatives, with a focus on benefiting our local communities. A portion of the funds generated will be allocated to support community projects. Building on the success of our existing Bristol City Leap Community Energy Fund, this project will enable us to provide even more targeted support to the community.
Through the collaborative efforts of Bristol City Council and Ameresco, Bristol is poised to accelerate its transition to renewable energy, promoting sustainable growth and reinforcing its position as a leader in decarbonisation.
