Vital Energi have completed the installation of over 600 solar panels on the roof of Robin Park Leisure Centre to support Wigan Council generate energy, lower carbon emissions and deliver significant energy savings.
The 240kW roof-mounted solar PV array, and all associated works, will reduce energy consumption by an estimated 36 per cent (241,831kWh), saving around 51 tonnes of carbon every year.
This work is being done as part of the Unlocking Clean Energy in Greater Manchester project, the Council, working in partnership with Energy Systems Catapult & the European Regional Development Fund.
Regional Manager at Vital Energi, Simon Jones, said: “Wigan Council have a strong commitment to reducing their carbon emissions and have set a target of reaching net zero by 2038. This project will be another definitive step on their decarbonisation journey and, by reducing the leisure centre’s emissions by over a third, this project demonstrates the role renewable energy can have in helping local authorities to decarbonise their estate.”
Councillor Chris Ready, portfolio holder for communities and neighbourhoods, said: “Leisure centres use a lot of energy, so I am delighted that we have been able to make this investment at Robin Park, joining the LSV and Leigh and Howe Bridge leisure centres.
“Our leisure centres are so key to ensuring the physical and mental wellbeing of our residents, and I am delighted that we have been able to make these key improvements to ensure they are better for the planet too.”
