Agenda item

            The Local Energy Systems Advisor presented the Committee with the following report:

“1.0     Purpose of Report/Summary of Main Issues

1.1       To provide an update on delivery of the solar photovoltaic (PV) installations on Donegal Pass Community Centre - funded through the Shared Island Fund.

2.0       Recommendation

2.1       The Committee is asked to note that:

                                            I.           €46,620 was secured from the Shared Island Fund to install solar PV on Donegal Pass Community Centre with an additional €4,500 secured allowing for the installation of battery storage;

                                           II.           Donegal Pass Community centre will be used as a test site to explore renewable energy generation potential for other council sites; and

                                         III.           Engagement is planned with the centre’s users to build awareness about the advantages of solar PV.

3.0       Main report

3.1       Background

In 2023 Belfast City Council partnered with Cork City Council on a Shared Island funded feasibility study that assessed the solar PV potential on a number of high consuming council sites in both Cork and Belfast. In Belfast, the potential solar PV generation for 25 council owned buildings was estimated and linked with electricity consumption.

            The results of the study were then used to complete a joint application with Cork City Council last summer to access capital funding to install solar PV on three community centres in Belfast (Donegall Pass Community Centre) and Cork (Fairhill Fairfield Community Association and St. Vincent’s Hurling and Football Club). One of the conditions of the funding was that it had to have a community focus. These community buildings were selected due to their high potential solar PV generation matched to high energy consumption levels as highlighted in the feasibility study.

3.2       Progress to date

            The panels have since been installed and have the potential to generate 37,898kWh/year against a current energy consumption of approximately 19,000kWh/year (ie the panels will produce approximately double the amount of energy currently used). This would reduce carbon emissions in the city by approximately 13 tonnes CO2e/kWh annually (equivalent to charging a smart phone 120,000 times) and save around £7000 per year on the electricity bill. A further application was submitted to request additional funding to purchase batteries to store excess electricity generated during times of high generation and low usage. The aim is to use the Donegal Pass Community Centre to test the workings of solar array and battery storage and explore its potential on other council sites across the estate.

3.3       Funding process

            Belfast City Council (Property and Projects) issued the tenders for the installation of the panels. The tender included the replacement of the electric board with a separate additional section for the quotation of retrofitting of battery equipment. The battery installation was not part of the initial grant offer, however the opportunity to access reserve funding arose and the council was able to take advantage of this to purchase battery storage.

            One of the main conditions of the funding was that the project had to be completed within 18 months (by February 2026) and it has been completed successfully on time.

3.4       Community engagement

            The Climate team is currently working with the Energy Manager, outreach staff and community centre staff to engage with the centre’s users to build awareness about the benefits of the solar panels, how they reduce carbon emissions from the centre and save money allowing for funds to be redirected to other activities.

4.0       Financial and Resource Implications

            The project was funded through a €51,120 grant from the Shared Island Fund.

            Equality or Good Relations Implications/

            Rural Needs Assessment

            None.”

            During discussion, a Member requested that information be provided to the Committee illustrating the percentages of cost savings which had been generated from the solar PV on Council sites across the City.

            A further Member queried the potential use of geothermal energy in the City.  In response, the Climate Commissioner advised that officers had an upcoming meeting with Causeway Geothermal regarding a high-level feasibility study.

After discussion, the Committee noted that:

                   i.           €46,620 had been secured from the Shared Island Fund to install solar PV on Donegal Pass Community Centre with an additional €4,500 secured allowing for the installation of battery storage;

                 ii.           Donegal Pass Community centre would be used as a test site to explore renewable energy generation potential for other council sites;

                iii.           Engagement was planned with the centre’s users to build awareness about the advantages of solar PV; and

                iv.           The rescheduled site visit to Leeds, regarding the District Heating Network, was being planned for as soon as possible after elections, which were taking place in Leeds on 20th May, 2026, and that the agreed dates would be circulated to Members in due course.