Solar panels set to spark energy boost at GL1

As part of Gloucester City Council’s ongoing investment in renewable energy, GL1 Leisure Centre run by Freedom Leisure, has seen the installation of 832 new solar panels covering 1,662.4m².

The project will  reduce the building’s dependency on mains electricity with around 353,000 kWh of electricity set to be produced every year and a fall in annual carbon emission reduction of around 82 tonnes, equivalent to 4,100 trees.

To maximise energy efficiency, the leisure centre has integrated battery storage into the system, capturing solar energy during daylight hours to help power equipment such as circulation pumps for the swimming pool in the evening.

Investing in low carbon technology such as solar panels will help the city council meet its aim to be carbon neutral by 2030.

To deliver the project the city council secured funding of around £430,000 for the UK Government’s Swimming Pool Support Fund (SPSF).

The SPSF helps public leisure facilities with swimming pools and aims to help facilities stay open and reduce energy costs.

Councillor Sebastian Field, cabinet member for environment at Gloucester City Council, said: “The installation of solar panels at GL1 Leisure Centre shows our commitment to investing in low carbon energy. The new solar panels will reduce energy costs and help us reduce our carbon footprint. We also hope that it will encourage others to consider installing solar panels on their homes and businesses as well.”

Angela Brown, Head of Sustainability and Environment for Freedom Leisure, said: “The successful partnership between Gloucester City Council and Freedom Leisure has been pivotal in the success of this renewable energy project.  This collaboration exemplifies our shared commitment to sustainable innovation and setting the standard in environmental responsibility and community wellbeing.”