Local authorities in the north-east of England are planning to increase investment in renewable energy to take advantage of new legislation, in news which could lead to a surge in people signing up for green energy courses.

According to the Middlesbrough Evening Gazette, councils on Teesside are anticipating a financial windfall from the government's decision to allow them to sell electricity back to the national grid.

"This will have a significant impact, particularly where a building such as a school is closed over the summer," said Redcar and Cleveland Council energy manager Wendi Wheeler. "It's something we will definitely be taking forward."

She added that the government will need assistance from local authorities to meet its renewable energy targets and predicted there will be further openings for people who have taken green energy courses.

Earlier this week, German energy firm Solon announced plans to construct a new solar energy plant near the Cornish town of Redruth.

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