Cambridgeshire's ambition is to have net zero carbon emissions. Core to this is the transition to renewable energy supplies, and a shift from our fossil-fuel based society.
Leading the way, we are investing in our extensive asset portfolio to develop innovative renewable energy projects, which supply green power or heat to the site, sells excess to local business or supply the electricity grid. These projects help to deliver our ambition while securing long term income streams for front line services.
For more information about any of our projects, please get in touch at mlei@cambridgeshire.gov.uk
What our projects involve
The large projects we develop are based on using the newest technologies and innovative technological set-ups to maximize the potential generation and revenues from our investment.
Solar parks
A solar park is a very large, free standing solar array. They generate electricity in the same way as the solar panels you may see on peoples homes, but on a much larger scale. All of the power generated flows to the national grid for distribution around the Country.
This energy off-sets demands placed on fossil-fuelled power stations (gas, coal etc.), avoiding carbon emissions, air pollution and other environmental impacts.
There are a number of parts to a typical solar park, as illustrated below. These involve moving the power from the solar array, via DC/AC Inverters to convert the power to alternating current and then increasing the voltage (AC Transformers) to be inline with local and national grid levels.
Energy storage
Through using more energy storage systems—including batteries and other technologies— we can help integrate renewable energy and provide a stable supply during peak electric usage or operate critical systems during a grid outage. Through using more energy storage systems—including batteries and other technologies— we can help integrate renewable energy and provide a stable supply during peak electric usage or operate critical systems during a grid outage.
From mobile phones to power grids
Chances are you’re using products with energy storage technology. Whether it’s the small battery inside a mobile phone or a large energy storage system that reduces power demand in an office block, these technologies save generated power to use later. When power demand is high, the systems can keep costs low and the power reliable. We are exploring income generation possibilities from battery storage
Powering buildings and vehicles
Solar power and other renewable energy technologies can produce electricity close to where it is actually used by homes, businesses, and vehicles. Energy storage can work together with these technologies to make energy available when it is needed.
Smart energy infrastructure
The Mobilising Local Energy Investment team, working with colleagues in the Greater Cambridge Partnership and Connecting Cambridgeshire, are developing an innovative network of smart energy grids along key transport routes to support electrification of transport and generation of renewable energy to sell locally. This joint vision is being implemented now to support the growing technology and life science clusters sprouting up around Cambridge.
The project has two key partners:
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The local delivery body for a city deal with central government, bringing powers and investment, worth up to £1 billion , to vital improvements in infrastructure, supporting and accelerating the creation of 44,000 new jobs, 33,500 new homes and 420 additional apprenticeships. The partnership of councils, business and academia will work together, and with partners and local communities, to grow and share prosperity and improve quality of life for the people of Greater Cambridge, now and in the future.
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Is improving the county’s digital infrastructure – including broadband, mobile and public Wi-Fi coverage – to drive economic growth, help our businesses and communities to thrive and make it easier to access public services. Connecting Cambridgeshire is led by Cambridgeshire County Council working with Peterborough City Council, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority, government bodies, local councils, and external organisations, including telecoms suppliers and mobile operators.
