Thanks to E.ON's SOURCE community fund Jesmond swimming pool last year received £19,000 towards the cost of installing a solar thermal system to heat their pool.

Now fully operational, the system is already saving the team money as well as cutting carbon emissions.

The solar installation made up of 11 solar panels, formed the key part of the swimming pool's lower carbon project, which also included reducing unnecessary energy usage for example by upgrading to a more efficient water pump.


The solar thermal system is expected to save the swimming pool around 5,350kg of carbon dioxide emissions this year as well as £1,500 off of their fuel bill.

Glenn Armstrong, Chief Executive of Jesmond Swimming Project, said: "We're delighted to have received this funding and very happy with the final result. Not only has the solar installation helped us to decrease our carbon footprint, it's also cut our energy bills.

"Visitors to the pool can view the system output on our display at the entrance. It's amazing to see in action the difference we're making to the environment."

(CD)