Renewable electricity generation has been a major driver of Scotland’s decarbonisation success.
In 2023 Glasgow City Council initiated a phased installation program to increase solar photovoltaic (PV) generation across council estates. So far, 33 sites are up and running with the solar initiative, including a range of primary and secondary schools where rooftop solar panels have been installed. Building on this progress, Phase 1 of the project aims to add a further 1,700 solar panels across selected properties – including prominent sites like Kelvin Hall. The plans cover a mix of smaller schools and more ambitious venues, such as the Emirates Arena on London Road.
The solar deployment plan runs alongside Glasgow City Council’s broader strategy to support community-based energy initiatives. The 2024 Community Renewable Energy Framework aims to empower local groups and individuals to lead renewable energy projects on pre-identified sites, with a particular focus on council-owned vacant and derelict land. These initiatives align with Scotland’s national target of installing 2 GW of community and locally owned energy capacity by 2030.