British Library hosting UK’s largest solar heat project

The British Library is participating in the UK’s largest solar heat project to support the building’s transition to renewable energy.

The installation features 950 solar collectors across 712 sq metres 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 community centre for a year.

The library is working with CBRE Global Workplace Solutions (GWS) and has commissioned solar energy supplier Naked Energy for the project—the latter is using its solar heat and electricity Virtu product range which is the world’s highest energy density solar technology, converting the sun’s energy into heat and electricity from the same collector.

"The technology will supply sanitary hot water and space heating for the British Library, benefitting staff and visitors alike," Naked Energy said. "Also, in a rare application of solar technology, the collectors will also be used to help to maintain the precise temperature and humidity conditions needed to preserve the national collection cared for by the British Library."

The company added: "During the planning phase of the installation, Virtu solar technology secured planning permission on the Grade I-listed building, as its unique low-profile design does not disrupt the library’s architecture and remains invisible from street level."

Patrick Dixon, director of estates and construction at the British Library, said: "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 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.

"The Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme is run by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and delivered by Salix Finance. It provides capital funding to public sector bodies to fund heat decarbonisation and energy efficiency measures."

Christophe Williams, founder and chief executive 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."

Jon Benford, managing firector at CBRE GWS, said the company was "incredibly excited" to be supporting the "iconic British institution on their net zero journey".

He added: "Working towards net zero emissions in a Grade I 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."