Department for Education: Solar Power

(asked on 19th October 2022) - View Source

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, pursuant to the Answer of 17 October 2022 to Question 59682 on Department for Education: Solar Power, when works began to repair and update the photovoltaic panels at his Department's office in Sheffield; how much those works are expected to cost; and when he expects them to complete.


Answered by
Jonathan Gullis Portrait
Jonathan Gullis
This question was answered on 25th October 2022

For the London office, the initial first phase feasibility study was conducted on 12 August 2022. The second phase feasibility study is being undertaken by a specialist photovoltaic project team the date of which is not yet confirmed. Government Property Agency, as building asset managers, have stated it is not procedure for a copy to be placed in the House of Commons library.

In relation to Darlington, the Department has submitted a proposal for parts replacement and repair and are awaiting costs. For Sheffield an upgrade is required and is being costed. It is expected that for both Darlington and Sheffield works will be completed utilising net zero funding in the 2022/23 financial year.

The facilities management teams at (a) Sheffield St Pauls Place and (b) Darlington Bishopsgate House periodically undertake checks to all plant equipment. The breakdown of equipment was highlighted at the end of financial year 2021/22 subsequently funding routes are being explored to repair or upgrade these photovoltaic panels.

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