The Government and GB Energy recently announced it is committing £80m to help around 200 schools accelerate their net zero progress. The move would see selected sites embrace the potential of onsite renewable energy generation, cutting their utility bills and providing the opportunity to sell surplus energy back to the grid.

“We are prepared to match the £80m offer– and more – to help fast-track renewable energy adoption and reduce energy bills in education. We are keen to work closely with GB Energy to ensure that the value that private sector money can bring is realised along side the benefits of onsite renewables to reduce energy bills and deliver greater energy resilience.” “As investors, we will ensure that the solar installation is well maintained, and performance and efficiency are optimised throughout the lifetime of the product. This is a long-term commitment, and we are keen to work with Government and GB Energy on ensuring a risk-free option that ultimately delivers value for tax payers and the wider economy.”

ADE has written to Energy Secretary Ed Miliband and Great British Energy Chair Juergen Maiertose to set out the vital role that private sector investors can play, supplementing government funding to deliver even more savings in health and education through wider investment in rooftop solar. John Behan, CEO of ADE, said: “While investment in to renewable energy generation should be celebrated, it’s safe to suggest that a joined-up approach between public and private sector is best placed to fast-track renewable energy adoption in education. Indeed, models and funding options are available with no up front costs to ensure considerable savings over the lifetime of the installation, helping to protect constrained budgets in those sectors and ensure public funding is focused on where it is needed most.