London Stadium is set to begin its installation of 6,500sqm of solar membrane panels, with the project due for completion by summer 2025.
The LLDC Solar Membrane Project is the first to receive funding from the £500m Mayor of London’s Green Finance Fund, which supports public sector organisations in decarbonisation and helps facilitate London’s transition to Net Zero.
The £4.35m project aims to save over 200 tonnes of carbon emissions per annum and generate enough energy to power all major events at the venue.
Game-changing solar
The solar panels will further reduce London Stadium’s energy usage by at least 0.8m kWh, leading to a total electricity cost reduction of 10% to 15%.
From 2022 to 2026, the Stadium plans to cut energy drawn from the national grid by 3m kWh, reducing its annual usage from 11.5m kWh to 8.5m kWh.
The solar panels are projected to generate 850,000 kWh per annum – enough to power major events while saving over 200 tonnes of carbon emissions each year.
Ameresco, an American energy service company, will install and maintain the solar panels. The stadium’s roof design has been adapted for this purpose by Populous, the original architect.
Mete Coban, Deputy Mayor for Environment and Energy, says: “These solar panels are a game changer for the London Stadium.”
Graham Gilmore, Chief Executive of London Stadium 185, adds:
“This investment means that we can drive down our carbon footprint and become the venue of choice for artists and event owners who are serious about sustainability. This ambitious large-scale investment will reduce our energy costs, but most importantly our carbon footprint.”
A wider strategy
The solar panels are part of a broader strategy to lower London Stadium’s energy costs and emissions, with other initiatives including initiatives including:
- LED lighting
- Improvements to chillers and air handling systems
- Energy-saving devices for kiosks
- A campaign to promote energy conservation among staff.
These measures are expected to decrease the Stadium’s energy consumption by 1.9 million kWh by March 2025.
[Image credit: Populous]
