DEVON County Council has been awarded almost £200,000 in Government funding to explore new ways of reducing carbon emissions in the county.

The award follows a successful bid to South West Net Zero Hub’s Local Net Zero Capacity and Development Fund, a £1 million grant fund created by the South West Net Zero Hub.

The aim of the funding, from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, is to support local authorities in the region to increase the number, scale and quality of net zero projects in the region.

The funding will be split between two projects; the decarbonisation of an industrial estate and a solar energy scheme.

A total £99,851 has been awarded to create an investible decarbonisation plan for the Heathfield industrial estate in Bovey Tracey.

In partnership with Teignbridge District Council, the project will look at the feasibility of introducing renewable energy options, such as solar PV installations, green hydrogen and district heating on the estate.

This model could then be replicated on other industrial estates across the county.

A further £97,000 has been awarded to look into the feasibility of developing solar energy on redundant landfill sites.

Once landfills are no longer in use they are ‘capped’ with a layer of topsoil – there are restrictions on what the land can then be used for.

However, it may be possible to use these redundant sites to generate solar energy as fixings for solar panels don’t have to be very deep.

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.”