County Hall is set to look at generating its own energy across Lancashire. The move follows from Liberal Democrats on Lancashire County Council putting forward a proposal to explore the potential to expand its renewable energy generation.

The proposal was put forward by County Councillor Allan Knox. He highlighted that Germany generates over 100 times more energy from local authority owned renewable energy than in England. He said, “Such schemes could go a long way to heating our schools and housing developments. In particular, with LCC having many buildings around the County there is the potential to make vast savings on heating bills by generating our own green energy.”

The proposal was seconded by County Councillor Mark Jewell who added, “When we set our budgets we must invest for the future. As well as tackling the very real problems of global warming it may help to generate an income for the County.”

The proposal received unanimous support from all Councillors.

Under the coalition government plans local authorities will be given powers to sell excess energy they generate back to the National Grid. It has been estimated that such schemes could provide £200m a year income for local Councils across England and Wales.

Lancashire County Council will now explore the potential to expand it’s renewable energy generation.

The Council’s debate on this Notice of Motion can be seen here. (then go to index-10Notices of Motion – 1:02:07 Cllr A Knox)