Alongside pioneering cities such as Frankfurt, Seattle and Sydney, Newport has now committed to using 100% clean energy by 2050.

Newport City Council leader Councillor Debbie Wilcox and Cabinet Member for Streetscene Councillor Roger Jeavons have added their signatures to the UK100, a network of local authorities focused on a full transition away from fossil fuels by 2050.

This network seeks to devise ambitious plans that are cost effective and involve local residents and businesses.

Cllr Wilcox said:

“We fully support the move to clean energy and will work to support the transition to a low carbon economy for the benefit of both our city and the environment.

“The ambitious target set by UK100 will be the drive for Newport City Council’s future decarbonisation programme. We will look to implement energy efficiency measures to deliver considerable reductions in our consumption of gas and electricity.

“I am delighted Newport is one of the first councils in the Cardiff City Region to make this commitment and hope others will follow our lead.”

Newport City Council also supports the use of electric vehicles which will help reduce carbon emissions and create a healthier and greener environment.

To this end the council is currently investigating the benefits of introducing electric cars into its fleet of vehicles and assessing sites suitable for charging points