Coastal town’s fishing community catches major sustainability boost

Whitstable’s fishing industry has received a major sustainability boost after solar panels were installed on 16 of the harbour’s fisherman’s huts.

Supported by the city council and major energy project NeuConnect, the renewable energy project by the Whitstable Fishermen’s Association (WFA) will provide sustainable energy to the huts and enable the town’s fishing community to be more energy efficient.

NeuConnect will create the first direct energy link between UK and Germany, boosting energy security and allowing both countries to share renewable energy. The works will include the construction of a new converter station in Kent and with building work now underway, the NeuConnect Community Fund has been set up to support local projects and organisations.

The project with Whitstable Fishermen’s Association has seen a total of 31 solar panels installed on the south block of the harbour’s huts as well as a battery module for storing any extra electricity generated.

The new tech is already generating surplus energy and is providing electricity for the huts and their refrigeration units. Data showing how much energy the panels have generated and how much is stored in the battery can also be accessed by WFA members via a mobile app.

Whitstable Harbour Board Chairman, Cllr Chris Cornell, said: “Fishing is a precarious business at times and any way we can help keep the fleet’s cost lower is good news. Providing access to more affordable and environmentally-sustainable energy is a win-win for our environment and economy.”

Esther Gilson, of the WFA, added: “The collaboration between Canterbury City Council, the Whitstable Fishermen’s Association and NeuConnect has been fantastic in bringing solar energy to Whitstable Harbour.

“This is phase one of Whitstable Harbour’s solar project, and green energy like this will make a huge difference to our struggling industry, helping to reduce costs and create a more sustainable future for local fishing.”

The money for the £23,000 initiative came from a £16,000 donation from NeuConnect alongside £5,000 from Whitstable Harbour Board, part of Canterbury City Council, with the WFA also making a £2,000 contribution.

Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change, Cllr Mel Dawkins, said: “Helping to deliver renewable energy projects that reduce the harbour’s carbon footprint forms a key part of the Strategic Plan for Whitstable Harbour. It is yet another stride towards decarbonising council-owned assets as part of our 2030 net zero target.”

CEO of NeuConnect Arnaud Grévoz said: “As a major infrastructure project with construction well underway, NeuConnect is committed to being a good neighbour to local communities.

“The NeuConnect Community Fund is already supporting a range of local projects in Kent, so we’re delighted to work with Canterbury City Council and the Whitstable Fishermen’s Association to promote the efficient use of energy with these solar panels.”

NeuConnect welcomes submissions to the Community Fund for projects which clearly demonstrate the sustainable, long-term benefits they offer to local communities – find out more about this.

Published: 20 March 2025