Funding to develop a clean energy project has been awarded to five councils in Greater Manchester that have declared a climate emergency.
The three-year £17.2m project, led by Energy Systems Catapult, will develop 10 renewable schemes across the city.
Unlocking Clean Energy in Greater Manchester (UCEGM) will bring together Manchester, Rochdale, Salford, Stockport, and Wigan councils to capitalise on under-utilised council-owned sites and buildings.
Projects include solar farms, rooftop solar schemes, battery storage, and smart energy management systems.
Cllr Andrew Western, GMCA Lead for the Green City-Region, said: ‘Demonstrating the unique partnership working across our local authorities, we’re seeing buildings, land and locations being revitalised, optimised and future-proofed with a blend of renewable, clean energy generation. This initiative will also help to pioneer business models which will contribute towards reducing energy costs and carbon emissions.’
Richard Halsey, capabilities director at Energy Systems Catapult, added: 'This project represents the opportunity to create a blueprint that is replicable and can help delivery of smarter cleaner local energy systems, minimise costs and carbon emissions.’