A COUNCIL-owned recycling company been shortlisted for a national renewable energy reward for the second time.

Public Power Solutions Ltd , based at Cheney Manor Industrial Estate is in the finals of the Association for Public Service Excellence Service Awards in the Best Renewable Energy category.

Managing director Bernie Brannan said: “It’s great news that PPS has once again been recognised by the public sector for our innovative work developing renewable energy projects across Swindon.

"Barnfield Solar Park is saving approximately 1000 tonnes of carbon a year for Swindon, equivalent to taking 217 cars off the road.

“The town now sends almost no waste to landfill. So, with the re-processing of Swindon’s waste into an alternative fuel now being fuelled by solar power, we’re making an important local contribution to the UK’s Net Zero 2050 target.”

Barnfield Solar Park is a project started in 2018 on what used to be a landfilled site, saving Swindon Borough Council £185,000 a year in energy costs.

It is next to the borough council’s recycling centre and is connected to the solid recovered fuel plant, producing renewable energy.

It’s the second time the firm has been shortlisted for an APSE award. In 2017 it made it in the renewable energy category for Chapel Farm Solar Park.

The awards presentation will be on September 12 and will take place in Newcastle.

Paul O’Brien, APSE chief executive, said: “Local councils do great work but too often they are the unsung heroes of public services. These awards are about celebrating the hard work and achievements of frontline services, and the local government workforce delivering them.

“These services and local initiatives make a real difference to local places and local people. Congratulations to all the finalists.”

PPS was named the most proactive public sector organisation for the Regen Green Energy Awards in 2016.

And it has been recognised for running one of the UK’s largest solar farms, partnered with the Science Museum.

PPS is developing the Waterside site into an energy innovation area that will be powered by the sun.

The plant will have a behind-the-meter battery storage which means unused generation will be stored.

The power can then be used when it is needed most and during the darker hours of the day.

PPS is working on helping other councils with more projects like this to help the planet and cut costs.