Work has been completed at The Hive Leisure Centre in Ely to install 228 solar panels to reduce the site’s reliance on fossil fuels and lower its carbon emissions. 

The solar panels are estimated to produce 91,050KWh of renewable electricity for the centre with estimated savings of £18,000 a year. 

The project has been made possible thanks to a successful bid by East Cambridgeshire District Council for £69,510 from Sport England’s Swimming Pool Support Fund. 

Councillor Julia Huffer, the council’s environmental champion, said: “It is great to see this project completed and contribute to our corporate plan priority of a cleaner, greener East Cambridgeshire. 

“Thanks to Sport England for the funding provided to enable us to achieve these outcomes.”

The initiative also aligns with site management company GLL’s values of respecting the planet and reducing the impact on the environment. 

A display screen in the reception area will show the amount of electricity being generated. 

The company who installed the panels, SGS Energy Ltd, will be at The Hive during its open weekend on 19 and 20 July to raise awareness and provide information about clean energy to residents and visitors.