At Millbank, we follow developments in clean energy and infrastructure with real interest, particularly when those advancements are happening right here in the UK. The recent announcement that Greater Manchester has secured £695,000 in funding from Great British Energy for sustainable upgrades to public buildings is an important step in driving forward both regional and national energy goals.
This investment will enable the installation of solar panels, battery storage systems, and electric vehicle (EV) charging points across key community spaces such as libraries, leisure centres, and emergency service facilities. The outcome will not only reduce carbon emissions and increase efficiency but also deliver long-term cost savings for services that residents depend on daily.
The programme is part of a wider £10 million initiative supported by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, designed to cut costs by an estimated £35 million across public facilities during the projects’ lifetimes. In Greater Manchester, it complements the city region’s strong track record in sustainability. Already, over £120 million has been invested to retrofit 225 public buildings, including schools and leisure centres. These achievements are aligned with Greater Manchester’s ambitious goal to achieve net zero by 2038, twelve years ahead of the national target.
Mayor Andy Burnham highlighted the importance of this work, stating:
“This funding is a welcome boost to our efforts to build a greener, fairer future for Greater Manchester. By installing solar panels and battery storage across our public buildings, we can lower energy bills, cut emissions and make sure more of our power is generated right here in our communities.”
For Millbank, initiatives like this reflect the rapid transformation of the UK’s wider Energy, Oil, and Gas sector. As the landscape shifts towards renewable generation, storage, and distribution, projects like these highlight the need for expertise across engineering, construction, project management, and environmental services. These align closely with our long-standing role supporting clients throughout the full production lifecycle—from FEED and equipment design through to new builds, commissioning, operations, maintenance, overhauls, generation, transmission, and distribution.
Opportunities for skilled professionals will continue to grow as the UK accelerates towards net zero. Roles such as Electrical Engineers, Project Managers, Energy Analysts, Environmental Consultants, and Sustainability Specialists are central to delivering these upgrades and future-proofing our infrastructure. Millbank’s experience in supporting leading firms across the energy sector means we are well placed to connect the right people with these vital projects.
Ultimately, the Greater Manchester investment is about more than solar panels or EV charging points. It represents the way local and national government, energy providers, and skilled professionals are coming together to reshape the UK’s energy future. At Millbank, we’re excited to see this transition unfold and remain committed to supporting the organisations and individuals driving progress across the energy industry.
Source: www.publicsectorexecutive.com ‘Greater Manchester Secures £695K for Clean Energy Upgrades to Public Buildings’ By Public Sector Executive.
