British Library Adopts Innovative Solar Technology to Decarbonise Heating, Shaping a Greener Future

The British Library, in partnership with CBRE Global Workplace Solutions (GWS), has commissioned Naked Energy to implement the UK’s largest solar heat project aimed at accelerating the transition of public buildings to renewable energy.

The ambitious installation will feature 950 solar collectors installed across 712.5 m² of the library’s roof space. This initiative is projected to reduce the building’s CO2 emissions by 55 tonnes and generate 216 MWh of energy annually, sufficient to power and heat a community centre or swimming pool for an entire year.

Naked Energy’s Virtu product range, recognized as the world’s highest energy density solar technology, will play a critical role in this project. This innovative range converts solar energy into both heat and electricity from the same collector, achieving carbon savings up to four times greater than traditional solar PV panels. The technology will provide sanitary hot water and space heating for the British Library, benefiting both staff and visitors.

In a unique application of solar technology, the collectors will also help maintain the precise temperature and humidity conditions required to preserve the British Library’s national collection, which consists of over 170 million items, including newspapers, maps, sound recordings, and patents.

During the planning phase, the installation received approval for the Grade I-listed building, as its low-profile design preserves the library’s architectural integrity and remains unobtrusive from street level.

Naked Energy recently secured £17 million in investment from E.ON Energy Infrastructure Solutions and Barclays as part of the first close of its Series B capital raise, furthering its mission to roll out innovative solar heat technology globally amid rising demand for renewable heating solutions.

Christophe Williams, Founder and CEO of Naked Energy, expressed pride in partnering with the British Library, stating, “It’s an honour to be a part of their journey to meet net zero goals. The urgent need to decarbonise heat has long been under-recognised, and we hope this project inspires others in the public sector to transition away from fossil fuels.”

Patrick Dixon, Director of Estates and Construction at the British Library, highlighted the project’s significance, saying, “We are pleased to have launched our new Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy during Green Libraries Week, supported by the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme.”

Jon Benford, Managing Director at CBRE GWS, added, “We’re incredibly excited to deliver the largest solar heat installation project in the UK for the British Library, supporting their net zero journey while preserving a Grade I listed building.”