The installation features 950 solar collectors across 712.5m² of roof space, expected to reduce carbon emissions by 55 tonnes annually and generate 216 MWh of energy – enough to power a community centre or swimming pool for a year.
Naked Energy’s Virtu technology, combining solar heat and electricity generation, is key to this initiative.
The technology, which saves up to four times the carbon as standard solar panels, will provide sanitary hot water, space heating, and help maintain optimal conditions for the Library’s national collection of over 170 million items.
Preserving the past, protecting the future
This installation is a critical step in the British Library’s efforts to transition to renewable energy, in line with their new Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy.
The project secured planning permission despite the Grade I-listed status of the building, thanks to the low-profile design of the Virtu technology, which remains invisible from street level.
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.”
A catalyst for the energy transition
Patrick Dixon, director of estates and construction at the British Library, highlighted the benefits of the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, which funded the project.
“This project is part of the Library’s commitment to environmental action,” Dixon said, praising CBRE’s collaboration with Naked Energy in delivering the solar heat installation on such a prestigious building.
Jon Benford, managing director at CBRE GWS, also praised the project, stating, “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.”
Image: British Library