Manchester council is considering buying its own multi-million pound solar panel farm in its fight against climate change.
Later this month, councillors will discuss purchasing a 100-hectare plot to help meet criteria for cutting emissions.
If the town hall-owned a solar photovoltaic (PV) facility, it would have greater security and control over energy and future costs.
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The council’s Climate Change Action Plan is aimed at halving emissions by 2025.
The goal is for the city to become zero carbon by 2038.
A move towards large scale renewable energy options - such as a solar power farm - could make those goals a reality.
The farm would cost between £27m and £30m, and would have a lifespan of up to 40 years.
It wouldn't be in our region.
There are no suitable sites in Greater Manchester for the farm, which would measure 150 football pitches.
The council says it has already maximised renewable energy opportunities at their own buildings - for example, the use of roof-mounted solar panels at the Forum in Wythenshawe.
A second option is also being considered - for the council to negotiate a power purchase agreement directly with a renewable energy facility.
By doing this, the town hall would be confident in knowing exactly where and how its energy has been sourced and be in control of the services received.
The recommendation by public sector advice body, Local Partnerships, is for the council to continue to explore a ‘twin-track approach’, in which they could own either or both a solar panel farm and have power purchase agreements in place, until a decision is made.
The final decision is likely to be linked to whether a suitable site for the solar farm is for sale at the right time.
Councillor Tracey Rawlins, executive member for environment for Manchester council, said: "Some people will have a chuckle at the idea that Manchester might invest in solar power generation.
"We’re famed for many things but, while our weather is actually better than its stereotypical image, wall to wall sunshine isn’t one of them.
"Climate change, though, is no joke and we are determined to ensure that we take radical steps to maximise the council’s use of renewable energy and help meet our target of at least halving our direct emissions by 2025.
"We are determined to play our full part in cutting carbon emissions and limiting the effects of climate change."
The options will be discussed at the Environment and Climate Change scrutiny committee meeting on October 14 and the executive meeting on October 20.
