 Halewick Lane energy storage
We're rolling out several innovative energy projects this year to support the move to clean energy use across West Sussex.
Over the last decade we've been working to expand local clean energy generation, including building two solar farms and installing many roof mounted solar photo voltaic (PV) systems.
Our projects currently generate approximately 17 MWh of green electricity each year - enough to power more than 6,300 homes. They also provide a net annual income of more than £2 million. This money not only helps to offset our energy costs it also supports essential local services by reducing expenditure on electricity and generating revenue from power exported to the grid.
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Halewick Lane Energy Park (Sompting) A 16MW energy storage system, developed with our contractor, Enable Infrastructure, on a former waste site. Once operational, the battery system will help by store energy when it’s plentiful and make it available when renewable sources are not generating power. Building resilience through energy storage in this way helps the grid meet growing demands for clean electricity from domestic heat pumps and electric vehicle charging. We will also generate revenue by providing this service.
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Solar PV & Battery Programme With more than 70 solar PV systems already installed on West Sussex schools, we've embarked on a new, 3-year programme to reduce corporate energy costs and carbon emissions. New solar PV and energy storage systems on approximately 60 corporate buildings and schools will be installed to make the most efficient use of the clean electricity generated. Designs for the next eight sites, comprising schools, libraries, and fire stations, are ready and installations scheduled.
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Energy Reinvestment Fund A new fund is being launched to invest in energy efficiency work, such as low energy lighting and insulation, which will help to reduce the amount of energy consumed in our schools and corporate buildings for years to come. It is called a ‘reinvestment’ fund because the financial savings made by reducing energy consumption will pay back the cost of the energy measures installed over time, meaning that the funding can then be invested to deliver further projects.
These innovative clean energy projects support our commitment to protect the environment via our Energy Strategy and Climate Action and Adaptation Plan.
 We're about to begin a major programme to upgrade around 64,000 streetlights to energy‑efficient LED technology, marking a significant step forward in modernising our county’s lighting infrastructure. The upgrade is part of our long‑term commitment to reducing energy consumption, lowering carbon emissions and delivering better value for residents.
The programme will take place over the next 4 years and by 2028-29 is expected to reduce annual energy consumption by more than 10.7 million kWh, cut carbon emissions by around 1,633 tonnes of CO₂ and generate significant financial savings.
Most works will be unobtrusive, typically taking 15 to 20 minutes per streetlight, however some traffic management will be required along high‑speed roads or in challenging locations for safety.
 Ancient Sessile Oak 'Queen Elizabeth I Oak' in Cowdray Park. Photo:Daniel Greenwood
Trees bring character, welcome shade, and huge wildlife benefits to our communities and we are committed to protecting and nurturing our treescapes.
Roadside trees can be particularly vulnerable when utility or street works take place nearby. To help safeguard them, we’ve approved a new Policy for the Protection of Highway Trees Affected by Street Works. The policy encourages contractors to plan and carry out their works with greater care, reducing the risk of accidental damage and ensuring healthy, flourishing street trees across the county.
We’ve also approved the refreshed West Sussex Tree Plan 2026 to 2030. Building on the original 2020 Plan, it responds to today’s environmental challenges and reflects the priorities shared by our communities. Key areas of focus include improving how we map and monitor our trees, strengthening protection, building resilience against pests, diseases and climate pressures, and securing long‑term investment.
We’re also focusing on working more closely with volunteers, community groups, and residents, recognising the vital role people play in supporting nature.
There are simple ways for you to get involved. During hot, dry weather, you can help newly planted trees by giving them a small bucket of water. If you’re interested in playing a bigger role, consider becoming a tree warden, joining volunteers who help care for trees and woodlands in their communities. You can also support our treescape through our Donate a Tree scheme.
 Last week, Food Waste Action Week returned with a rallying cry: Make Your Food Go Fuuuuuuuurther - for your pocket, for our planet. This new campaign from Love Food Hate Waste highlights everyday hacks to show how preventing food waste can unlock value across every part of our lives.
New separate food waste collection services are in the process of being introduced across West Sussex, due to 'Simpler Recycling' legislation introduced by central government, which means that all households in England will be able to recycle the same materials.
If you have any questions, or want to share local climate action stories, email us at climatechange@westsussex.gov.uk.
Join our community of climate champions and add a new map pin to our Community Climate Action Map.
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