Largest Ever UK Solar Installation to be Delivered at The British Library 

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17 October 2024

The British Library and CBRE have commissioned Naked Energy to deliver the UK’s largest solar heat project.

Planning permission has been secured for 950 solar collectors across 712.5 m2 of the library’s roof space. It is expected to reduce the building’s CO2 emissions by 55 tonnes and generate 216 MWh of energy annually – the equivalent of powering and heating a swimming pool for a year.

The solar panels used will save up to four times the amount of carbon as standard solar PV panels. The technology will supply sanitary hot water and space heating for the British Library, which holds over 170 million items and welcomes 1.6 million visitors each year. It will also be used to maintain the precise temperature and humidity conditions needed to preserve specialist items.

The scheme is funded by the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, as  Patrick Dixon, Director of Estates and Construction at the British Library explained: “We have received two grants under the scheme, one of which provided the funds for our supply partners CBRE to work with Naked Energy to design and install this innovative technology on our Grade I Listed building in London. 

“This project is part of the Library’s commitment to environmental action and we are pleased to have formally launched our new Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy during Green Libraries Week.'”

Jon Benford, Managing Director at CBRE GWS, added: “We’re incredibly excited to be delivering the largest solar heat installation project in the UK for our client, the British Library, and supporting such an iconic British institution on their net-zero journey.

“Working towards net zero emissions in a Grade 1 listed English Heritage building comes with its own unique challenges, and we’re proud of the role this project will play in both preserving the past and protecting the future.”

Picture: a photograph of one of Naked Energy’s solar panel’s in-situ. Image Credit: Naked Energy

Article written by Ella Tansley | Published 17 October 2024

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