London Stadium has powered up its new cutting-edge solar panel installation, providing renewable energy for the first time at its recent, sold-out Novuna London Diamond League athletics meet.
Last week’s 60,000-capacity athletics meeting was the first to benefit from the installation of 6,500 square metres of advanced solar membrane panels, now fully integrated into the iconic stadium’s roof. It is the largest investment in solar panels for any stadium in the UK.
The energy produced will power all major event days throughout the year—including West Ham United matches, world-class concerts, and international athletics—making London Stadium a world leading venue for solar energy coverage.
The system will generate an estimated 850,000 kWh annually, offsetting over 200 tonnes of carbon emissions—equivalent to 100 transatlantic flights from London to New York. Team GB athlete Daryll Neita joined UKA CEO Jack Buckner and London Stadium CEO Graham Gilmore for the switch-on, marking a major milestone for the former 2012 Olympic and Paralympic venue, 20 years to the month after London won its Games bid.
This landmark £4.35 million project is the first to be delivered under the Mayor of London’s £500 million Green Finance Fund, designed to help public sector bodies accelerate decarbonisation and support the capital’s transition to Net Zero.
The solar panel installation is part of a broader programme of sustainability upgrades at London Stadium, including LED lighting, energy-efficient chillers and air-handling units, and smart power-saving devices in food and drink kiosks. These measures, supported by a staff awareness campaign, have reduced the venue’s energy use by 1.9 million kWh. Once fully operational, the rooftop solar panels will contribute a further 850,000 kWh reduction, delivering a projected 10%–15% cut in electricity costs.
By 2026, with more energy saving projects and the solar panels operating, the stadium’s overall energy consumption from the national grid will drop from 12 million (recorded in 2022) to 8.5 million kWh annually—a total saving of 3.5 million kWh.
Ameresco, a leading energy solutions provider, was awarded the contract to design, install, operate, and maintain the solar membrane system. The bespoke solution incorporates ultra-lightweight thin-film photovoltaic (PV) panels to ensure minimal weight on the roof, maximum energy generation, and full compliance with fire safety regulations. Populous advised on design, Buro Happold advised on the structural & electrical engineering requirements, with OPS providing site supervision.
