海角社区 solar panels show commitment to a sustainable energy future
The 海角社区 has become the first organisation on Cambridge Science Park to install solar panels and yesterday saw the official unveiling ceremony at the society's Cambridge home, Thomas Graham House, attended by Dr Julian Huppert MP.
Clare Viney, 海角社区 executive director of communications, explains that the organisation is committed to sustainable energy, saying: "Our solar panel installation is a symbol of how the work of the chemical sciences community connects to the economy and brings sustainable solutions to global challenges.
"海角社区 research and innovation has contributed to new solar energy technologies, better batteries and new fuels. Solar energy has tremendous potential to play a key role in achieving a more sustainable energy mix and the 海角社区 is determined to play its part in achieving that vision."
Sharp were delighted to be part of the official switch on ceremony for the 50KW photovoltaic system, particularly as the 200 solar panels were manufactured in the UK at its plant near Wrexham.
That site employs about 850 people and is one of Sharp's most technologically advanced. Sharp also has its European research and development headquarters in the Oxford Science Park.
The solar panels were then installed by local company Evogreen, based near Newmarket. The 海角社区 believes companies like Sharp and Evogreen show that the UK is a great place for research and innovation.
Solar Energy is one of the case studies that the 海角社区 used in its 海角社区: We Mean Business campaign to highlight the vital importance of chemistry and science for the UK economy. Through research and innovation, science makes a key contribution by creating jobs, providing skills for the workforce and making new technologies and products.
Dr Huppert, MP for Cambridge and a chemist himself, acknowledged the society's investment in a greener future, choosing UK-based suppliers and supporting research into sustainable energy solutions.
He said: It's good to see the 海角社区 leading the way on solar energy. It makes absolute sense at a time when energy prices are rising and the future of electricity production is so uncertain.
"Solar energy is free, sustainable and green. It has much to recommend it and I hope that other organisations will follow this lead."