Ameresco, Inc., a leading cleantech integrator specialising
in energy efficiency and renewable energy, has announced the award of a
contract to implement a leading-edge thin film photovoltaic (PV) solution atop
the iconic London Stadium.
The contract,
valued at approximately £3.5 million, includes comprehensive operations and
maintenance (O&M) services for the duration of twenty-five years. It forms
the vast majority of a £4.35m climate action investment at the stadium.
Renowned as
the venue for the 2012 Olympic & Paralympic Games, London Stadium is now a
multi-sport venue. It is the home of UK Athletics, hosts Concerts & Major
League Baseball matches, and is home to West Ham United Football Club in the
Premier League.
London Stadium
stands as a symbol of athletic achievement and community engagement in the
global city. The installation is projected to generate approximately 0.85
million kWh of clean energy annually, contributing to the stadium's
sustainability efforts to reach net zero carbon emissions.
There are
unique challenges posed by the London Stadium's membrane roof. Energy
generation would be restricted if conventional framed solar PV arrays were used
due to weight restrictions, high wind loading, and complex shading patterns,
necessitating an innovative approach.
Ameresco's
solution utilises ultra-thin solar panels complemented by dynamic SolarEdge
optimizers and inverters, meticulously designed to maximise energy generation
levels while seamlessly integrating with the stadium's architectural
constraints.
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.”
Mark Apsey
MBE, Senior Vice President for Ameresco UK, said: “Contributing to London
Stadium’s legacy and revolutionising its energy infrastructure with
state-of-the-art solar technology is an immense honour. The cutting-edge thin
film PV solution will contribute to a greener future of this iconic venue by
generating close to 1 million kWh of clean energy annually, the equivalent of
powering over 250 homes.”
Despite the
project's complexity, Ameresco assures minimal disruption to ongoing site
activities, employing meticulous planning and staged panel lifts to prevent
roof overload and ensure safety for stadium goers, teams, and staff.
