Solar Panels Help Drive London Stadium Sustainability Goals

The project will enable the Stadium to save more than 200 tonnes of carbon emissions a year and generate enough to power all the venue’s major events. It is part of a range of measures to reduce energy costs and carbon emissions at London Stadium.  These include solar membranes, LED lighting, chiller and air handling improvements and kiosk energy-saving devices, backed up by a campaign to encourage Stadium staff to reduce energy consumption. 

These current measures will reduce the Stadium energy use by 1.9 million kWh by March 2025, and at that point the roof solar savings will drive a further reduction of at least 0.8 million kWh, and a further saving of between 10% -15% on electricity costs. In total, between 2022 and 2026 the stadium will reduce energy drawn from the national grid by 3 million kWh – from 11.5million kWh per annum to 8.5 million. 

The annual 850,000-kWh generated by the solar panels is equivalent to the power used for the major events each year (approximately 20 football matches, four concerts, two MLB games and one international athletics meet). The solar energy will save more than 200 tonnes of carbon emissions a year, equivalent to 100 flights from London to New York City.

The former Olympic venue required a bespoke system using light-weight thin film photovoltaic (PV) panels to minimise the roof weight loading, maximise energy generation and ensure compliance with fire regulations. The installation will be completed by summer 2025 and start generating electricity immediately. 

Graham Gilmore, Chief Executive of LS185, said: “We are committed to becoming one of the most sustainable live event venues in the world. 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. We are proud to take the lead in tackling climate change, and especially pleased to be able to power concerts and other event days from energy generated on-site.”

Philip Johnson, Senior Principal at Populous and Head of the London Stadium project says: “We are proud to have been the architect for the original Olympic Stadium in 2012 and the redevelopment work that was done in 2015. Working to design the layout of the solar panels on the roof demonstrates the commitment to innovation and sustainability that has been at the heart of the London Stadium design since its inception.”