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Construction has begun on a £6.1million solar park in Waterbeach that will power electric bin lorries across Cambridge and South Cambridgeshire.
The one-megawatt solar system and storage battery will feed 36 electric-vehicle charging points for use by the bin lorries and other electric vehicles.
The Waterbeach Renewable Energy Network has been jointly funded by Cambridge City Council, South Cambridgeshire District Council and the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority, which agreed its contribution in December 2022.
At a groundbreaking ceremony at the councils’ Waterbeach depot on Tuesday (13 January), the councils said the system will significantly reduce the carbon emissions from waste fleets, which are currently among the highest contributors to the local authorities’ overall emissions.
Cllr Rosy Moore, executive councillor for environment, climate change and biodiversity at Labour-run Cambridge City Council, said: “This is a landmark moment for cleaner, greener waste and recycling collections in Greater Cambridge. This project demonstrates how local councils can lead the way in tackling climate change by investing in clean energy and sustainable infrastructure. Electrifying our waste fleet is a vital step towards meeting our net zero target by 2030 and helping to clean up the air all residents breathe.”
Cllr Natalie Warren-Green, lead cabinet member for environment at Liberal Democrat-run South Cambridgeshire District Council, added: “We’re proud to be part of this innovative project. It’s not just about reducing emissions – it’s about creating a resilient, future-proof system that benefits residents and the environment. It shows what can be achieved through collaboration and ambition.”
The Greater Cambridge Shared Waste Service, which runs across the two councils, will have 18 electric bin lorries in operation by 2027, supported by the clean, renewable energy generated at the site by the Dickerson Industrial Estate off Ely Road.
Currently, the service runs four of these vehicles, but the councils say there is not enough capacity in the local electrical grid to power more without the work.
The project is also expected to supply 59 per cent of the depot’s total energy needs from renewable sources and achieve more than 40 per cent biodiversity net gain through measures such as wildflower planting and new hedgerows to create a haven for local wildlife.
VEV, one of the UK’s leading providers of electric fleet solutions, will carry out the work.
Commercial director Martin Bax said: “This project is a fantastic example of how local authorities can overcome grid constraints and accelerate fleet electrification by thinking holistically about energy and infrastructure. We’re proud to be working with the councils and partners to help future-proof waste collection and deliver real, measurable carbon reductions for the region.”
Construction is expected to be completed in late 2026 and the costs of the scheme are set to be paid back through free, clean energy within 15 years.
The energy generated would be sufficient to power the equivalent of 250 UK family homes for 30 years.
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