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Construction has begun on a pioneering renewable energy solar park to power electric bin lorries for Cambridge and South Cambridgeshire.

The £6.1 million scheme is jointly funded by Cambridge City Council, South Cambridgeshire District Council, and the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority – which agreed its contribution in December 2022.

It will see the installation of a one-megawatt solar system paired with a battery that can store enough energy to keep operations running smoothly. This will feed into 36 electric vehicle charging points for use by electric bin lorries and other vehicles at the councils’ Waterbeach Depot. The aim is to help future-proof waste and recycling collections locally – a vital frontline service for residents.

The Waterbeach Renewable Energy Network will enable the councils to significantly reduce carbon emissions from their waste fleets. These carbon emissions are currently among the highest contributors to the councils’ overall emissions.

By 2027, the Greater Cambridge Shared Waste service between the two councils will have 18 electric bin lorries in operation, supported by clean, renewable energy generated on-site. There are currently four electric bin lorries in use but there is not enough capacity in the local electrical grid to power more without this work.

As well as powering electric bin lorries, the project is expected to supply 59% of the depot’s total energy needs from renewable sources and achieve over 40% biodiversity net gain through measures such as wildflower planting and new hedgerows to create a haven for local wildlife. 

Cllr Rosy Moore, Executive Councillor for Environment, Climate Change and Biodiversity at 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 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 construction work is being carried out by VEV – one of the UK’s leading providers of electric fleet solutions. Martin Bax, Commercial Director for VEV, commented: “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.”

The scheme is due for completion in late 2026, with the costs expected to be paid back through free, clean energy within 15 years. Put another way, the energy generated could power the equivalent of 250 UK family homes for 30 years, underlining the scale of the scheme’s environmental impact.

Bin collections across Cambridge and South Cambridgeshire are carried out by the Greater Cambridge Shared Waste service, a partnership between Cambridge City and South Cambridgeshire District councils. For more information about waste and recycling, and to see tailored bin collection calendars visit www.greatercambridgewaste.org