Our Roadmap to 2030The brand new Lichfield Leisure Center will open with solar power at its core, after nearly 400 panels installed through the partnership between Staffordshire Community Energy (SCE) and Lichfield District Council. With a rooftop system expected to generate 149,000 kilowatt hours.
By producing its own power on site, the centre is estimated to cut its carbon footprint by around 35 tonnes a year supporting the District’s drive to tackle the climate emergency – the same as removing more that 20 petrol cars from the road. Reducing its bills by around £6,500 annually. Over the system’s lifetime, that could add up to more than £160,000 in savings. Through a community-owned scheme, benefits go further, with estimated community funds worth over £150,000, created to support local projects delivering social and environmental benefits tot he community.
Mike Kinghan MBE, local resident and founder of SCE, said:
“As a Community Benefit Society owned by its members, SCE has a powerful not-for-profit community business model addressing climate change while also recycling financial surpluses back into local communities. Our aim has always been to keep the benefits of clean energy here in Staffordshire. Lichfield Leisure Centre shows what that means in practice: a brand-new leisure centre receiving power from the sun, lower bills from day one, and a community fund to support local projects. It’s proof of what’s possible when people come together to take control of their energy future.”
Cllr Janice Silvester-Hall, Cabinet Member for Visitor Economy, Ecology & Climate Change, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Staffordshire Community Energy to make Lichfield Leisure Centre one of the most sustainable leisure facilities in the district. This partnership shows the power of community energy; reducing our carbon footprint, lowering running costs, and investing savings back into local projects. It’s a brilliant example of how councils and communities can work together to take positive action with the changing climate while creating healthier, more resilient places for everyone.”
This project is a part of SCE’s growing programme of community owned solar across provided bridging finance to enable delivery ahead of SCE’s forthcoming community share offer due to launch in early 2026, which will enable local people to share in the ownership of the installation.
Residents can now register to be notified about the forthcoming share offer. Sign up at staffscommunityenergy.org.uk/newsletterfor further information.
