WARRINGTON has become the first local authority in the country to produce all of its own electricity.

This comes as Warrington Borough Council recently commissioned investments into solar farms, with work on the latest farm being completed this week.

The latest site - which is a GRIDSERVE hybrid solar/battery farm - will generate power for the council's planned fleet of electric buses.

It is the third farm commissioned by the council, with the other two generating power that can be sold back to the National Grid, raising money for Warrington Borough Council.

The news comes amid the announcement that the council has also halved its carbon emissions over an eight-year period.

This latest solar farm will ensure that the council's electric fleet of buses will be 'net zero.'

The site itself is in York, and covers 88 acres - which is larger than 50 football pitches.

The energy produced at the site will be enough to allow for 88 million miles of e-vehicle transport every year - the equivalent of driving 100,000 e-vehicles from Land's End to John O'Groats.

Warrington Guardian: Construction is underway for a new depot to house Warrington's fleet of electric buses. Picture: Warrington's Own BusesConstruction is underway for a new depot to house Warrington's fleet of electric buses. Picture: Warrington's Own Buses (Image: Warrington Borough Council)

Warrington Borough Council’s cabinet member for sustainability and climate change, Cllr Janet Henshaw, said: "Investing in subsidy-free developments has been a landmark achievement for the council.

"Each project has proven to be a solid strategic decision to ensure the borough’s future energy security."