Solar energy specialist Solarsense and Avon Fire & Rescue Service have won clean energy scheme of the year at the Regen Green Energy Awards. The partnership was recognised for its “extraordinary” contribution to the energy transition.

The national Green Energy Awards aim to celebrate the best projects, leading organisations and inspiring people in the renewable energy sector. Solarsense and Avon Fire & Rescue were up against strong competition in the ‘clean energy scheme’ category, which recognises pioneering schemes which have delivered significant carbon savings.

The winning entry saw Solarsense work together with Avon Fire & Rescue to combine a range of integrated renewable energy technologies across five stations in the South West.  Through a combination of solar panels, battery storage, solar thermal and heat pumps, the project will generate carbon savings of more than 127,117kg per year – providing a benchmark for the role of the blue light sector in the UK’s net zero journey.

Stephen Barrett, Managing Director of Solarsense, said: “It was fantastic working with Avon Fire & Rescue Service on this project, which shows how a range of different clean technologies can be combined for maximum impact on carbon emissions – as well as long term cost savings. We were absolutely delighted to receive this award and hope that the scheme will inspire other Fire & Rescue services to make similar improvements.”

Annabel Harford, Environmental Manager at Avon Fire & Rescue Service, said: “As a Fire & Rescue Service we are on the frontline in responding to the increasing impacts of climate change and so we feel we have a responsibility to reduce our own carbon emissions. We have publicly committed to achieving Net Zero by 2030 and this project was an important step on the road to achieving that ambition. It was great to work with a local company who really shared our passion for sustainability.”

Based in North Somerset, Solarsense are located within approximately 25 miles of all the fire stations involved in the project, meaning they could minimise travel and reduce the overall carbon impact of the scheme. Both Solarsense and Avon Fire & Rescue Service operate with a sustainable procurement practice, ensuring that the products installed are as environmentally friendly as possible.

Avon Fire & Rescue Service will now look at the potential for these renewable energy technologies to be replicated across their other sixteen stations. In the longer term they will also consider the possibility of additional innovations such as electric vehicle charge points and the trialling of electric fire engines.

As well as reducing the Service’s carbon footprint, the ability to generate renewable power and heat on site will allow the organisation to make financial savings which can be reinvested in both core business activities and further sustainability efforts.

Merlin Hyman, chief executive, Regen, said: “The 2022 Green Energy Awards showcased the extraordinary range of innovative zero carbon solutions available and the pioneering individuals committed to bringing them forward. The inspiring award winners and nominees demonstrate we have the ability to end our addiction to fossil fuels and will, I hope, galvanise us all to take even bolder action towards net zero.”