Stockport Council is set to use 100% clean energy by 2050, after a motion was passed by all Councillors at the last Full Council meeting on Thursday 26th October.

By the middle of the century, the Council will ensure that its energy across all functions will be sourced 100% from clean energy sources, the vast majority being from wind, wave and solar sources.

The move forms part of the UK 100 campaign which plans to achieve 100% clean energy at city/local level by 2050 through the setting of targets which are ambitious, cost effective and take both the public and businesses with them.

The Council already has a great track record in switching to clean energy in the recent years. The Council has spent £9m in solar panels on its social housing and public buildings, creating a vast amount of renewable energy. Stockport is also home to Greater Manchester’s first community-owned hydro-electric power plant.

Councillor Alex Ganotis, Leader of Stockport Council, said: “The welcome passage of this motion means Stockport Council has adopted targets on clean energy which are amongst the most ambitious in the UK.

“Ambitious targets not only drive progress in terms of our own energy mix, but if enough businesses and organisations get on board, this also helps drive investment into green technology and jobs in that sector. This can make clean energy more economical and reliable at the same time as actively reducing emissions.

“I am also highly pleased to see Councils across Greater Manchester making similar pledges. The Greater Manchester region has always been unafraid to innovate and take the lead, as has Stockport within it. This sends a strong message on our ambitions as a town and a City Region on green issues.”

Polly Billington of the UK 100 clean energy campaign added: “The transformation of our economy to 100% clean energy will create jobs, drive economic growth, improve our health and wellbeing and keep our energy costs down too.

“Shifting away from dirty fossil fuels is good for all of us. So it’s great news that Stockport Council is signing up to the ambitious goal of leading the shift to 100% clean energy across the community.

“This means the Borough not only joins the rest of Greater Manchester, but is one of over 70 cities and local authorities across the UK who are committed to transforming our economy to improve our lives and protect our communities from climate change.

“I look forward to working with Cllr Ganotis and the rest of the Council in showcasing real progress in Stockport towards our clean energy future.

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