Devon lands major funding for bold carbon emissions project

Devon County Council has been awarded nearly £200,000 in government funding to explore innovative methods of reducing carbon emissions across the county. 

The funding comes as part of a successful bid to the South West Net Zero Hub’s Local Net Zero Capacity and Development Fund, a £1 million grant initiative from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero aimed at boosting local net-zero projects.

The council plans to divide the funding between two key projects: decarbonising an industrial estate and developing solar energy solutions on former landfill sites. 

A total of £99,851 will be allocated to creating a comprehensive decarbonisation plan for the Heathfield Industrial Estate in Bovey Tracey. 

Working in partnership with Teignbridge District Council, the project will assess the feasibility of integrating renewable energy options such as solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, green hydrogen, and district heating on the estate. 

The goal is to establish a model that could be replicated on other industrial estates throughout Devon.

An additional £97,000 will be used to explore the potential for generating solar energy on redundant landfill sites. 

These sites, which are capped with topsoil once they are no longer in use, have limitations on their post-closure use. 

However, the project will investigate whether these sites can support solar panel installations, offering a new avenue for clean energy production.

Councillor Andrea Davis, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Environment and Transport, said: “This money will allow us to investigate if these sites can be used to generate clean, green energy and potentially income for the council.

“We are really excited to be taking forward these kinds of projects, and if they can be delivered it will help us achieve our goal of a net-zero Devon by 2030.

“Solar farms can be designed in such a way that they can complement and enhance biodiversity and we are looking with interest at similar projects currently underway in Plymouth and Torquay.”

Councillor Rufus Gilbert, Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member for Economic Recovery and Skills said:“I’m pleased we have been awarded this funding. Heathfield industrial estate is an important hub for the local economy providing jobs and services in the local area.

“The decarbonisation of the estate would be hugely beneficial; for instance, if local business were powered using renewable energy it would reduce their carbon footprint and potentially reduce energy costs for local businesses.

“We hope to be able to create replicable business model for industrial estates of this size across Devon.”

Councillor Jackie Hook, Teignbridge District Council's lead for Climate Change, said:

“We’re thrilled to have secured funding from the South West Net Zero Hub and the unique opportunity this presents to engage with businesses on Heathfield Industrial Estate. Bringing businesses together through partnership working will play a vital role in accelerating our journey towards net zero emissions and creating a resilient low carbon economy in a way which can be replicated across the South West and nationally. We look forward to collaborating with Devon County Council to make this project a success.”

Steve Ransom, South West Net Zero Programme Manager said: “I would like to congratulate all the successful applicants to the Local Net Zero Fund. We are delighted with the response we’ve had from councils to this new fund which will support delivery of energy projects and strategic climate initiatives in the region. We also look forward to providing some of the successful projects with expert advice on finance through our Investment Readiness Support Service.”

These projects mark a significant step forward in Devon’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions and build a sustainable future.