A PIONEERING solar energy project has scooped a prestigious national award.
The renewable energy scheme in Brixton, South London, was presented with the finance award by actor Brian Blessed at the Sustainable Housing awards, held in The Hilton Hotel in Park Lane.
The scheme, which is the UK’s first urban community-owned solar energy project, raised funds to install solar PV panels on the rooftops of a local estate, with the money and energy created going back into the community.
Brixton Energy Solar 1 is co-produced by Lambeth Council and Repowering South London with support from local residents.
Funding for the project was raised through a share offer that attracted investors from the local community and throughout the UK.
The panels started generating electricity in March 2012 and since then have exceeded the annual generation target by 28%, despite one of the wettest summers on record.
Co-founder and project manager of Brixton Energy, Agamemnon Otero, said: “Brixton Solar Energy 1 proves that it really is possible for clean energy to make financial sense. Helping the environment by producing clean energy doesn’t have to be costly and winning this award underscores the viability of the project’s business model, which brings investors a return of 3% per annum.”
Jess McCabe, editor of Sustainable Housing, said: “Our annual awards recognise the best of the best. Repowering South London’s Brixton Energy Solar 1 project beat off stiff competition from more than 120 entrants from all around the UK to take the 2012 Sustainable Housing Finance Award.”
Councillor Lib Peck, Cabinet Member for Strategic Housing and Regeneration on Lambeth Council, said: “This award is a fantastic endorsement for all that Brixton Energy has achieved so far. It brings huge benefits for the community, including the establishment of a Community Energy Efficiency Fund that will support energy efficiency improvements in the local area, such as draught proofing and insulation.
And the success looks set to expand with the launch of Brixton Energy Solar 2, which will save approximately 16 tonnes of CO2 every year by displacing electricity generated by coal and gas power stations.
Mr Otero said: “I hope all those who invested in the Brixton Energy Solar 1 feel proud to be a part of such an innovative, award winning project that is bringing solar power to the people. We hope other community groups across the UK will be inspired to take action. We want to make Brixton Energy a shining example of inner-city community resilience for the next 20 years.”
The group say their vision is to create a greener future for Brixton by generating solar energy in Brixton, increasing Brixton’s energy resilience and security, raising awareness about energy efficiency and tackling fuel poverty and providing training and employment for local people.
For more information, buy your shares and support the community visit www.brixtonenergy.co.uk
