Rob Murphy from SAS Energy, EDF Renewables’ C&I Solar Division, guides us through how to understand the challenges in the transition to renewable energy for the public sector
As the need to expand electricity-generating capacity grows, particularly in the face of climate change and rising energy demands, renewable energy presents a vital solution. Across industries and sectors, renewable energy integration offers both environmental benefits and significant financial advantages. While private businesses often have the resources to drive such projects, the public sector faces unique challenges in adopting these technologies.
Public institutions, including schools, hospitals, and government offices, are under increasing pressure to meet decarbonisation goals and improve energy efficiency. Limited budgets, administrative obstacles, and lengthy approval processes often slow down the transition to greener energy systems. Despite these challenges, public bodies are crucial to the net-zero journey, and with the proper support, they can accelerate the adoption of renewable energy solutions.
Publicly owned companies are often hindered by budget constraints and the complexity of procurement processes. Unlike private corporations, which can leverage substantial capital, public institutions typically need to follow more rigid procedures, which can delay project implementation. Additionally, the upfront costs of renewable energy projects, such as solar installations or energy efficiency upgrades, can be too expensive.
Collaboration between government agencies, private enterprises, and renewable energy experts is essential to overcome these challenges. Through partnerships, these sectors can combine resources, share expertise, and develop tailored solutions that make renewable energy more accessible. Government incentives and grants, such as those available through the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, play a vital role in making projects financially viable and ensuring that public bodies can meet their environmental goals.
The complexities of renewable energy for the public sector
At SAS Energy, part of the EDF Group, we specialise in helping organisations navigate the complexities of renewable energy adoption. With our deep expertise in energy infrastructure and a range of financing solutions, we are well-positioned to assist in building low-carbon, resilient energy systems for public institutions.
We offer tailored solutions to meet the specific needs of boroughs, local authorities, schools, hospitals, and other public bodies. From energy efficiency upgrades and renewable energy integration to the rollout of electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure, we provide end-to-end project delivery focusing on achieving net-zero goals. Importantly, we also offer flexible financing options, including power purchase agreements and leases, making renewable energy for the public sector more accessible.
Our financing solutions are designed to remove the barriers of high upfront costs, allowing public bodies to transition smoothly to cleaner energy without compromising their budgets. One of the most effective ways we support public sector clients in funding renewable energy projects is through Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs).
Securing suitable PPAs can be complex. Navigating the details of these agreements requires expertise to ensure that the terms are aligned with organisational goals and that the financial structure is reliable. SAS Energy’s team of experts can guide public bodies through the PPA process, identifying the best providers and structuring agreements that deliver financial and environmental benefits.
A public sector model for renewable energy: Kingshill Solar Farm Project
SAS Energy has been instrumental in supporting numerous public sector bodies in their transition to sustainable energy solutions. A key example of our work is our long-standing partnership with Kent County Council, where we’ve helped deliver multiple low-carbon energy projects. Over the past decade, we have collaborated with the council to reduce its carbon footprint and support its Net Zero ambitions. Our flagship project in Kent was installing a 3MW ground-mounted solar array at Kingshill, a key site serving a population of approximately 1.5 million people across the council’s districts.
The Kingshill solar farm near Maidstone, Kent, is a pioneering project that SAS Energy designed, installed, and commissioned as part of EDF Renewables’ commercial and industrial solar division. The project utilised 6,480 JA Solar PV modules and 24 Huawei inverters, covering 11.9 acres of land to provide a reliable energy source for Kent County Council’s various public services, schools, offices, and transportation networks.
This installation generates 3 million kilowatt-hours of renewable electricity annually, enough to power around 750 homes and reduce CO2 emissions by 621 tonnes per year. The Kingshill project also exemplifies how renewable energy projects can benefit the environment beyond just energy generation. The site was designed with biodiversity in mind, enhancing local habitats and fostering a diverse ecosystem. The project included measures such as creating boundary habitats, bird nesting sites, and reptile receptor areas, ensuring that the solar farm contributes positively to the local wildlife.
In addition, the land is being used for sheep grazing, demonstrating how renewable energy installations can work in harmony with agricultural practices.
Once the solar farm reaches the end of its operational lifespan, the site is intended to become a nature reserve, providing long-term ecological benefits.
The Kingshill solar farm demonstrates how renewable energy can transform public sector infrastructure and provide a blueprint for other councils. With growing pressure to meet environmental targets and reduce carbon footprints, the public sector has a unique opportunity to lead by example and drive the transition to a greener future. By continuing to invest in renewable energy projects, public institutions can inspire local communities and help accelerate the adoption of sustainable practices across the UK.
As the push for a greener, more sustainable future intensifies, SAS Energy remains committed to supporting public sector clients in their journey towards net zero. With our comprehensive suite of services – including technical expertise, flexible financing, and project delivery – we are ready to help public bodies unlock the full potential of renewable energy and build resilient, low-carbon energy systems that will power the future.
This work is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International.
