Powys council cuts carbon emissions by 2.9% and saves £277k via solar panel installations

Powys County Council has published its net zero annual report for 2025, showing a 2.9% reduction in carbon emissions compared to the previous year. The council also reported £277,000 in savings from solar panels installed on buildings like County Hall and Ladywell House. By August 2025, 819 council properties had been upgraded with insulation, heat pumps, solar panels, smart controls, and battery storage, with work continuing at about 25 properties per month. The report covers the council's progress on climate and nature emergencies, including adaptation to flooding, drought, and wildfires. Council leadership highlighted the need to communicate the findings to communities and schools. The 2.9% reduction is modest, but the solar savings and ongoing retrofits show practical steps toward net zero. The full report offers a baseline for tracking future progress.