The London Stadium has had a major summer revamp. And this time, it’s not about seats, screens, or turf. It’s about power.
West Ham’s home has just completed a £4.35 million solar panel installation, marking the biggest renewable energy push at any UK sporting venue.
The result is a greener, smarter ground that’s now leading the pack in sustainable stadium design.
Solar Panel Installation Transforms London Stadium
A total of 6,500 square metres of solar panels now sit across the roof of the 60,000-seater stadium.
That’s the most extensive solar setup of any ground in the country, funded under the Mayor of London’s £500 million Green Finance Fund.
Energy firm Ameresco led the project. Their early estimates say the panels will produce around 850,000 kWh a year, cutting roughly 200 tonnes of carbon emissions. That’s the same as cancelling 100 flights from London to New York.
And it’s not just an eco win. The stadium expects to save up to £350,000 a year on energy costs, meaning the investment should pay for itself sooner rather than later.
Novuna London Athletics Meet Powered by Solar Energy
The first big test comes this weekend during the Novuna London Athletics Meet, where all energy needs will be covered by the panels above.
To mark the occasion, Team GB sprinter Daryll Neita climbed up onto the roof alongside UK Athletics CEO Jack Buckner and London Stadium chief Graham Gilmore for the official switch-on.
Buckner summed it up:
“The London Stadium is world-class in every sense. These panels show what can be achieved when innovation and legacy come together.”
After years of criticism around its post-Olympic use, the stadium is finally starting to feel like a forward-looking, purpose-built venue again.
West Ham Fans to See New Stadium Upgrades Against Chelsea
Supporters will get their first look at the upgraded stadium when West Ham host Chelsea on August 22. By then, all solar systems will be fully operational and in use.
While it might not affect the scoreline, the switch to clean energy is another marker of change under the new leadership team both on and off the pitch.
Long-Term Sustainability Plans in Motion
London Stadium CEO Graham Gilmore confirmed this isn’t the end of the club’s sustainability plans. The goal is to reduce overall energy use from 12 million kWh in 2022 to just 8.5 million by 2026.
“Sustainability is now front and centre for artists, athletes, and promoters alike,” Gilmore said. “We’re proud to be part of the climate solution.”
And that future might not just be domestic. The UK has officially launched a bid to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships and World Para Athletics Championships, which would bring elite sport back to the stadium on a global scale.
