SSE Energy Solutions has completed the installation of a 3MW solar panel system on the rooftops of Sky Studios Elstree which will supply at least 40% of the site’s annual energy consumption over the year, with early data suggesting it is likely to be even more.
Image Credit: SSE Energy Solutions/Shutterstock.com
The state-of-the-art film and TV studio complex now features 7,400 solar panels, reducing carbon emissions by 487 tons, the equivalent of 22,371 trees being planted annually and enough to power over 200 homes.
SSE has been Sky’s energy partner for over a decade, providing in excess of 100 GWh of renewable energy each year across a variety of the media company’s sites.
Sky Studios Elstree, which aims to be the world's most sustainable film and TV studio, is the latest significant initiative to decarbonise Sky’s facilities and services as part of its commitment to become net zero carbon by 2030.
Tunde Olaoye is Smart Energy Systems Sector Lead at SSE Energy Solutions. He said:
“Maximising the renewable energy potential for the solar array assets on the Sky Studios Elstree twelve sound stages has been an intricate process in both its development and design. SSE's decade plus partnership with Sky and the mutual dedication we share in driving innovation to meet net zero goals has been invaluable.
“Significantly, this project is an exemplar of our Whole System Thinking approach, with SSE delivering the entire solar PV system with no upfront costs to our client by purchasing the material required and managing the end-to-end installation process.”
Media and Creative Industries Minister Sir John Whittingdale said:
We're committed to working together with business to maximise the potential of our innovative creative industries while reducing their impact on the environment.
“So it's fantastic to see Sky Studios Elstree and SSE taking this step towards net zero and a more sustainable future."
As part of the project, energy technology company SolarEdge supplied photovoltaic (PV) panels, solar power converters and health and safety monitoring support. International law firm, Addleshaw Goddard, was instrumental in the development of a Power Purchasing Agreement which will provide the site with long-term protection from fluctuating energy costs.