Work has started on installing solar panels on the roofs of two Government buildings as part of a wider initiative to embrace renewable energy.

A spokesman for the Ministry of Public Works confirmed that work has started at both the Government Administration Building on Parliament Street and the neighbouring General Post Office.

The spokesman said: “It’s anticipated that the solar installation work on these buildings will be completed by spring 2022.

“The Ministry advised that the next phase will include the Transport Control Department and the Department of Public Transport headquarters.

“These works will get under way in the New Year. It’s anticipated that this phase will be completed by midsummer 2022.”

The spokesman added that the Government was “committed to ensuring that it leads the way in being environmentally responsible and energy efficient” and the project was promised.

They added: “The solar panel project is a 2017 pledge and a promise of the Government. And it is coming to fruition.”

The project would include the instillation of 588 panels on the roof of the Government Administration Building and the General Post Office, capable of generating a combined 211.68kW of electricity.

Plans for the Transport Control Department meanwhile feature 376 panels, which could produce a total of 150.4kW of electricity.

The proposal is one of several solar projects earmarked for Government buildings.

Last year Lieutenant-Colonel Burch, the Minister of Public Works, said Alternative Energy Systems had won a $2.9 million contract to carry out the work.

Colonel Burch added: “The forecasted annual cost savings over the life cycle of the solar system is close to $500,000 per annum.”