A proposed 800kW solar carport with battery storage is set to receive final approval from Northumberland County Council next week.

The carport is to be installed at Northumberland County Council’s County Hall headquarters.

A 400kW battery and 60 electric vehicle charge points are also to be installed on the site, with the aim of having the carport up and running by the summer of 2021.

The solar is set to provide around 50% of the site’s electricity consumption when combined with pre-existing rooftop solar.

Northumberland County Council has applied for a grant through the European Regional Development Fund which would fund half of the £2.3 million project. The other half will be paid for by the council.

Peter Jackson, leader of the council, said the project showed “what can be achieved right on our doorstep”, adding that if the grant is approved energy savings from the solar are expected to cover the cost of the initial investment.