Freeport East has launched its ‘From the Rooftops’ campaign to drive scale-up of rooftop solar on commercial buildings and position the region for further investment success.
With a high concentration of large industrial rooftops – thanks to a thriving logistics, warehousing and commercial sector – together with high solar radiance levels, Ipswich, Stowmarket, Felixstowe and the wider Freeport East area are ideally placed to play a leading role in the UK’s solar rooftop revolution.
With just 8 of the largest industrial developments in the region capable of supporting up to 100MW of solar power, estimates suggest over 1GW could be possible across all of Suffolk. These could make a significant contribution to renewable energy production in the East of England.
Freeport East have identified direct financial savings to local businesses and the opportunity to attract international inward investment as key reasons why it wants to step up rooftop solar deployment in the commercial and industrial sector. It has already had success attracting investments from companies active in the sector such as Bauder and Assan Panel, and has supported renewables growth through its Clean Growth Fund. Separately an increasing number of excellent solar case studies now exist across some of the regions leading development sites, which the campaign will showcase.
The ‘From the Rooftops’ campaign aligns with national government ambitions for a “solar revolution” and seeks to unlock the region’s full potential for clean energy generation on existing infrastructure.
Jack Abbott, MP for Ipswich and the Government’s East of England Mission Champion, has offered his support:
“Pushing forward more rooftop solar in the commercial and industrial market is a no-brainer. It will help deliver lower costs for businesses, make our energy system more resilient and reinforce the East of England’s reputation as a leader on sustainability and clean energy. This campaign will also position Ipswich and Suffolk to be at the forefront of Government aspirations on a rooftop solar revolution and ensure we can attract additional support and financing for those businesses interested in pursuing their own clean energy options.”
Steve Beel, CEO at Freeport East, commented:
“Our ‘From the Rooftops campaign’ is really about unlocking what’s already here in East Anglia – lots of underutilised rooftop space, beneficial solar conditions and a strong appetite for clean energy. We want this region to set an example to the rest of the UK, with our local businesses and supply chain at the forefront, and encourage others across the country to invest in the UK’s solar transition.
Our campaign will introduce perspectives from a range of different industry participants to put better information in the hands of decision-makers, employees and consumers to push for more rooftop solar in the business sector.”
Freeport East, a major driver of regional economic growth and innovation, is spearheading the campaign to encourage local businesses, property owners and investors to back rooftop solar. The campaign will help to foster collaboration across the public and private sectors, with Freeport East leading the way as a catalyst for solar adoption.
Ipswich.co.uk has partnered with Freeport East to deliver monthly insights, case studies and industry updates online and through a dedicated solar newsletter. Businesses are encouraged to sign up to stay informed on the latest solar developments in the region.
A spokesperson from Ipswich.co.uk, said: “We know that rooftop solar is one of the most accessible and effective ways to reduce emissions, cut costs for businesses, and support our communities, and yet so much of its potential remains untapped. This campaign is about shining a light on what’s possible, sharing practical knowledge, and celebrating those leading the way.
“We hope that this campaign helps to encourage more organisations in the area to get involved and make the most of the benefits of solar.”
To follow the campaign, get involved, and receive monthly solar insights, sign up for the ‘From the Rooftops’ newsletter via this link https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/from-rooftops-why-suffolk-can-lead-uks-commercial-solar-revolution-116me/?trackingId=oTyTQD2IR5mmfwpUEl3mDQ%3D%3D or follow the campaign on the Ipswich.co.uk website.
