A group of two-wheeled enthusiasts in Bradford is one of a handful of organisations to trial energy-saving, micro-generation schemes for British Gas.

The firm’s Green Streets project has awarded funding to the Bradford BMX Bandits club for the installation of advanced, energy-saving technology to power floodlights at its track in Peel Park.

This ‘green’ upgrade will slash the club’s energy bills and help restore the floodlights after they were vandalised.

Energy generated by the technology will be sold back to the National Grid, generating money to cover the running costs of the lights on winter evenings.

Residents near the park have also been challenged to cut their energy use.

Thirteen other groups across the UK have been awarded similar funding for other energy technology enhancements such as heat pumps, solar panels and micro-hydro systems. The group which best reduces energy use, generates local energy and engages with their community over the course of the year will win £100,000 to spend on a local environmental project.

Ian Thewlis, chairman of Bradford BMX Bandits, said: “We’re taking part in Green Streets to help our club become more sustainable – environmentally and financially. We want the club to be a showcase for the local community that will help visitors understand and appreciate renewable energy technologies.

“Becoming more environmentally sustainable will cut our energy bills, enabling us to help to keep our lights on longer and allowing us to widen access to our facilities for the local community.”

Bradford North’s Labour MP Terry Rooney is supporting the project.

He said: “I’m absolutely delighted that Peel Park has been successful in its bid and look forward to working with local partners on this high-profile project.

“It’s vital that the general public are engaged in the issues of climate change and this will open people’s eyes to the opportunities and benefits available.”

British Gas has committed £2 million of micro-generation and energy efficiency measures to the Green Streets programme. Some of the technology is being used in ways never tried before.

Gearoid Lane, director of communities and new energy at British Gas, said: “It’s people at a local level who will help revolutionise the way that energy is generated and consumed.

“Green Streets is about helping people act as trailblazers to inspire others. The communities involved in our challenge will provide us with vital insight as we grow our locally-generated energy business and provide great new ideas for saving and generating energy that will benefit the country as a whole.”