The national library of the UK, the British Library, and CBRE Global Workplace Solutions (GWS) have partnered with Naked Energy, a member of Solar Heat Europe, for the UK’s largest solar heat project.
The installation comprising 240 PVT and 710 solar thermal evacuated tube collectors across an area of 712.5m² can be found of the flat roof of the British Library in London. Capable of generating both heat and electricity using the sun’s energy, Naked Energy’s solar collectors provide a carbon neutral energy supply to the British Library’s space heating and hot water for visitors and staff, and also provide heat to the humidity control system of the Library used to preserve its unique collection of books and manuscripts.
This solar thermal installation stands as an example of decarbonising the energy supply of tertiary buildings. It is expected to cut the building’s CO2 emissions by 55 tonnes and produce 216 MWh of energy per year, contributing significantly to the British Library’s net-zero programme with the goal to reduce the building’s carbon footprint by lowering reliance on gas and grid electricity.
Christophe Williams, Founder and CEO of Naked Energy, said: “It’s an honour to partner with such an iconic British institution and be a part of their journey to meet their net zero goals. The urgent need to decarbonise heat has long been under-recognised in the discussions over the UK’s move toward net zero. We hope that this project can serve as a catalyst to inspire others in the public sector to join the energy transition and move away from fossil fuels once and for all. This project has been an immense undertaking and is an exciting step forward for the solar thermal industry in the UK”.
Patrick Dixon, Director of Estates and Construction at the British Library, added: “The British Library is delighted to have benefitted from the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme. We have received two grants under the scheme, one of which provides 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”.
Read the full press release on Naked Energy’s website: click here
Find out more about this installation on Naked Energy’s website: click here
About Solar Heat Europe/ESTIF:
Solar Heat Europe/ESTIF’s mission is to promote solar heat as a key technology for the decarbonisation of heating and cooling in Europe and to realise the high potential of solar heat in the energy transition. With members in more than 15 European countries, Solar Heat Europe members cover different parts of the value chain, being based in countries as diverse as Finland or Cyprus.
Contact:
| Valérie Séjourné Managing Director valerie.sejourne@solarheateurope.eu Tel: +32 471 34 19 24 | Anna Ledro Communications and Events Officer anna.ledro@solarheateurope.eu Tel: +32 2 318 40 59 |