Major home-grown green energy boost for Surrey Sports Park, as University continues net zero progress

From today, a major new rooftop solar array is powering Surrey Sports Park, supplying more than a quarter of its energy needs. Over 1,500 solar panels have been installed on one of Guildford’s largest roofs, generating 728 MWh annual energy. This marks a key step on the University’s journey to net zero, as part of an 8-point plan to cut energy use, decarbonise supply and drive behavioural change.

Professor Bob Nichol, Pro-Vice Chancellor and Executive Dean for the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, and University of Surrey Executive Lead for Sustainability, said:

“We are committed to achieving net zero by 2030. Surrey Sports Park rooftop solar is a tangible step on our pathway to net zero, part of a comprehensive plan to reduce energy use, decarbonise our energy supply and drive behavioural change. Our advanced plans to add ground-mount solar on land to the west of the Surrey Research Park will deliver one third of current energy needs across all of our University operations, and we’re also progressing plans to add canopy solar on our main carparks.

“The University of Surrey’s Institute for Sustainability brings together our multidisciplinary experts - from world-leading experts in solar cell technological advances to innovators in behavioural change - driving forward global progress on renewable energy transitions. This installation shows we’re living embodiments of the capacity to think global, and act local.”

Georgina Agnies, Director of University Sport, Surrey Sports Park, said:

“From today, the Sports Park will be drawing a quarter of its energy needs from home-grown solar. So our members and partners can now continue to use our facilities, get fit and play sport with a smaller carbon footprint. We continue to make large and small changes to reduce our energy use and decarbonise our energy supply. Every day, we strive to get more carbon fit and carbon lean.”

Neill Grieve, Project Development Manager for Behind the Meter Solar at SSE Energy Solutions, said:

"This is a positive milestone in our strategic partnership with the University of Surrey, and a clear demonstration of how collaboration with businesses can deliver real progress towards net zero. This solar array at Surrey Sports Park is a culmination of our expertise and the University's sustainable leadership to unlock opportunities to deploy renewable infrastructure. Together, we're not only decarbonising University grounds, but helping contribute to the Government’s target of 45-47GW of installed solar capacity by 2030.”

The University of Surrey is committed to playing its part in the delivery of the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals, and all our work on the renewable energy transition contributes to SDG 7 – covering Affordable and Clean Energy.

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