Decision details

The Director of Corporate Estates and the Head of Energy and Carbon Reduction provided the Sub-Committee with an update in respect of the work underway on the development of the following renewable energy projects and Climate Change Corporate Governance work:

·       Solar farm installation;

·       Geo-Thermal Technology;

·       Amgen Developments;

·       Wind Power Aspirations;

·       Hydro Electricity Prospects;

·       Carbon Reduction Programme;

·       Climate Change Working Group (CCWG);

·       Carbon Footprint Working Group;

·       Electric Vehicle Charging & Transportation Working Group;

·       Natures Assets Working Group;

·       Community Activity, Comms and Engagement; and

·       Built Assets & Construction Working Group.

The Director also advised that at the meeting of the Climate Change, Frontline Services & Prosperity Scrutiny Committee held on 29^th September 2022, Members considered the Electric Vehicle Charging Strategy Implementation Plan and provided an update in respect of the key comments made.

The Cabinet Member for Development and Prosperity spoke positive of the report and the many projects and developments underway, which contribute to the reduction of the Council’s Carbon Footprint. The Cabinet Member acknowledged that there were restraints with the grid itself, which had halted the Council’s progress, but hoped that there would be a solution for more capacity soon. The Cabinet Member went on to inform the Sub-Committee of his discussions with the Leader of Bridgend County Borough Council in respect of the Mine-Water energy project. The Cabinet Member advised that there were talks of Welsh Government and Bridgend County Borough Council establishing a toolkit of support and lessons learned for Local Authorities.

The Chair thanked the officers for the detailed update and the Climate Change Cabinet Sub-Committee RESOLVED:

1.    To note the contents of the update report as part of the ongoing work of the Climate Change Cabinet Sub Committee; and

2.    To receive further reports during 2022 and 2023, providing updates on progress within key areas.