A £4.35 million upgrade is planned at West Ham's stadium, which will see the installation of photovoltaic panels covering 6,500 m². What benefits will this modern solution bring?

The investment will save hundreds of thousands of pounds annually

The London Legacy Development Corporation’s (LLDC) solar membrane project has received funding from the Mayor of London’s Green Finance Fund. The loan for this programme is being allocated from a pot of £500 million committed in June as part of London Climate Action Week. This investment is expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by over 200 tons per year, equivalent to 100 flights from London to New York. It will also generate enough energy to power all major events held at London Stadium.

It is expected that between 2022 and 2026, the stadium will reduce its national grid energy consumption by 3 million kWh – from 11.5 million kWh per year to 8.5 million kWh. For comparison, the 850,000 kWh generated annually by the solar panels will be enough to power several key events each year, including around 20 football matches, four concerts, two MLB games, and one international athletics event. Last year, LLDC estimated that the project would save the stadium around £350,000 annually.

© Queen Elizabeth Park

One of the greenest stadiums in the world

The plans for the solar panel network were first revealed by The Standard last year, when the Mayor's office, led by Sadiq Khan, announced £45,000 for a feasibility study and business plan for the project. The photovoltaic panels will be installed on the roof, with the work set to be completed by the summer of 2025. A lightweight membrane structure was required to minimize the weight of the panels on the roof, maximize energy generation, and ensure compliance with fire safety regulations.

This will be the largest photovoltaic installation at a Premier League stadium, making London Stadium one of the greenest venues in the world. Deputy Mayor for Environment and Energy, Mete Coban, said: These solar panels will transform London Stadium into one of the most eco-friendly sports and concert venues globally, significantly reducing energy consumption and operating costs.

© Adam Somlo