A new deal thrashed out between Hastings Borough Council (HBC) and Energise Sussex Coast brings the goal of making Hastings carbon neutral by 2030 one step closer.

HBC and Energise Sussex Coast have signed what they describe as “a landmark agreement” to work in partnership to tackle the impact of climate change in the town and to help achieve Hastings’ ambition to become climate neutral by 2030 by carrying out low carbon energy initiatives.

The partnership wants to open up opportunities that promote the adoption of green technologies and renewable energy schemes.

Projects will include installing rooftop solar panels across the town, where possible and another project will support the development of innovative green finance solutions to support low carbon energy use.

Julia Hilton, Director of Energise Sussex Coast said: “We aim to empower local people to be part of cooperative solutions to the climate crisis including community ownership of local clean power.

“We are looking forward to collaborating with HBC on innovative methods to achieve that. We are delighted to be signing this memorandum of collaboration.” 

Councillor Maya Evans, HBC’s lead Cabinet member for Climate Change, Sustainability and Biodiversity says she is, “delighted” to sign the deal with Energise Sussex Coast: “They have been developing some very exciting projects in town and I look forward to working with them to help us to reach our 2030 target.

“We need to work together to tackle climate change and by learning from each other and sharing best practice we will be able to provide more renewable energy in the town, which will benefit everyone”