Military, NHS and schools included
Great British Energy will expand its solar rollout to military bases, hospitals and schools as part of a £255 million package to cut public sector energy bills and boost clean power.
The scheme, confirmed today by Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, includes £75 million of new funding on top of a £180 million investment announced in March. In total, around 250 schools, more than 270 NHS sites and about 15 military locations will benefit.
The Ministry of Defence will partner with Great British Energy to install solar panels and micro-wind turbines at training grounds and equipment stations. Officials say savings on bills will be redirected towards frontline defence spending.
Protecting clean energy jobs
Alongside the rollout, ministers pledged new protections for workers in the renewable sector. A forthcoming Clean Energy Jobs Plan will close loopholes that leave offshore staff with fewer rights than oil and gas workers, with some not even covered by the minimum wage.
A new Fair Work Charter is also being drawn up with wind developers, ensuring firms receiving public funding pay decent wages and guarantee job security. Publicly owned energy bodies, including Great British Energy, will be required to include worker representation on their boards.
Fracking licences scrapped
Miliband also confirmed legislation will be introduced to end new onshore oil and gas licensing, including fracking, as part of the government’s drive to make Britain a “clean energy superpower”.
Officials say the combined measures will cut bills, strengthen public services and create thousands of good-quality jobs while accelerating the transition away from fossil fuels.
