CLAYHILL SOLAR AND STORAGE PROJECT
Our Clayhill project continues to progress positively. Over the autumn, we submitted an Expression of Interest (EOI) for a Stage 2 Design Investment Plan to the GB Energy Community Fund, supported by ongoing and constructive discussions with Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWaC) regarding the proposed leasing arrangements for the site. We’re delighted that our EOI was accepted. After careful consideration, however, we have chosen to defer the full application until at least February 2026 to ensure we can incorporate the latest site information, community feedback, and strategic alignment with both CWaC and regional energy priorities. This pause will also enable us to benefit from future changes to how small schemes can sell to local (domestic) consumers fed by the same substation, currently out to consultation. We think these changes will significantly strengthen our position and help us develop a more robust and deliverable scheme.
SMALL ROOFTOP SOLAR PROJECT- CALL FOR PARTNERS
We have also submitted an EOI for a Stage 1 feasibility grant from GB Energy to explore a portfolio of small rooftop solar schemes on commercial properties across the Neston area. This funding would allow us to assess technical potential, financial viability, and community benefit opportunities for multiple sites.
As part of this work, we are actively seeking local partners with suitable community or public buildings—including agricultural buildings schools, community centres, and charitable facilities—that could host rooftop solar installations. Partnering with us can help reduce energy bills, cut carbon, and support long-term community resilience. The ‘best fit’ for partner buildings are medium to large premises with significant daytime electricity use.
If you are connected to an organisation that might be interested, please get in touch— we’d love to hear from you.
IN A NOD TO THE SEASON, HERE ARE SOME IDEAS FOR A GREENER CHRISTMAS BY REDUCING ENERGY AND CARBON USE:
Day 1
Switch more lights to LED’s and/or use motion sensor LED lights for circulation spaces such as halls, landings or occasionally used spaces such as utility rooms or garages and porch lights. Radar or microwave sensor bulbs are often better than PIR sensor bulbs as they will work well inside lampshades.
Day 2
Turn down your thermostat by 1 degree. If your main thermostat is set above 19C, try reducing it by 1 degree to save energy.
Day 3
Draught‑proofing: doors, windows, wooden floors, install a chimney balloon. Draught proofing is the cheapest and easiest first fix in reducing energy use and improving comfort levels in buildings. For open fireplaces that are infrequently used, install a chimney balloon to reduce heat loss up the chimney (but put up a reminder notice that it is there though!).
Day 4
Find a free warm space nearby – there are 7 listed for Neston https://www.warmwelcome.uk/find-aspace#map
Day 5
Close all your curtains or blinds at dusk and open them during the day. Make the most of the winter sun on bright days by following this routine. Even in winter it is worth maximising the benefits of solar gain for warmth.
Day 6
Heat the person, not the room. There has recently been a massive roll-out of innovative products designed to do this, for example heated gilets, heated seat pads and heated throws that can provide personal warmth and help you to still feel comfortable in a cooler room. Most have a modest outlay and have very low energy use/running costs in comparison to space heating.
Day 7
For smaller meals, cook using an air fryer or microwave (or both). For larger meals save energy by batch cooking.
Day 8
Cold snap? Don’t forget thermal undies and layering of clothes!
Day 9
Put a level marker or marks on your kettle’s water level window, making it easier to always boil just the right amount of water.
Day 10
Conduct a ‘standby audit’. Scour your house for appliances left on standby. Do they all need to be running?
The worst offenders are often these:
-Set‑top boxes / DVRs (Sky, cable,
PVRs)
-Game consoles in instant‑on / rest mode -Broadband router and modem & wireless extenders -Televisions (especially smart Tvs and older Tvs).
-Computers and laptops left “off” but plugged in. For Windows machines hibernation mode uses much less power than sleep mode. -Printers and multifunction devices -Microwaves and coffee machines with displays
-Older devices with a mains transformer left connected
Day 11
Check your boiler thermostat. Modern condensing gas boilers are more efficient when run at a flow temperature of 60C than the 70C many are set at. For systems without a hot water tank, 55C is often sufficient.
Day 12
Winter temperatures can fluctuate massively in the UK, typically between -2 and +12C usually according to wind direction. Save fuel by setting your heating timer to work for your needs during a mild winter spell and then manually ‘boost’ for and hour or two during cold spells. This idea means you are less likely to be running the heating when it isn’t needed (this works best for gas or oil heating).