Issue - meetings

Background:

This report proposed an investment in Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Systems for Gun Wharf and Medway Tunnel to generate electricity, reduce carbon emissions and achieve revenue savings.

It was noted that the annual cost of electricity at Gun Wharf was £450,000 and £170,000 at Medway Tunnel. The proposal was to install a 30kW peak power (kWp) scheme at the Medway tunnel and a 108kWp scheme at Gun Wharf. It was anticipated that the energy generated by both systems would be used on site and offset an element of current supply requirements and costs.

It was reported that the payback of the scheme would be in the region of 10 years and the net saving over a 20-year period was in the region of £350,000 based on current energy prices. It was also estimated that the installation of Solar PV would reduce the Council’s carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 70 tonnes per annum.

The capital cost of the installations was estimated to be £230,000, which if approved would be funded through prudential borrowing. As an addition to the capital programme this matter would be referred to Council for decision.

Reasons:

The installation of Solar PV will not only generate energy and savings, but also reduce the Council’s carbon footprint.