One of the UK’s most important wholesale food markets is now home to the largest rooftop solar installation in London, following the completion of a major renewable energy project at New Spitalfields Market.
As part of a third phase of works to decarbonise the City of London Corporation’s estate, Vital Energi has delivered a significant solar installation at New Spitalfields Market comprising 2,730 solar PV panels across five roofs, including the main market hall and four ancillary buildings.
The installation is expected to deliver a total output of 1.27 GWh of electricity annually (enough to power approx. 470 homes), reducing the market’s reliance on fossil fuels, while cutting carbon emissions by around 225 tonnes of carbon each year.
Operating overnight and around the clock, the market has significant energy requirements to support refrigeration, lighting, and essential infrastructure. By generating more of its electricity on site, the market will reduce its reliance on grid power while improving its long-term operational resilience.
'Projects like this show how practical climate action can deliver benefits far beyond carbon reduction and are yet another example of the City Corporation delivering on its Climate Action Strategy. As the UK experiences periods of extreme heat and rising electricity demand for cooling, this project demonstrates the value of investing in local renewable energy generation' said Mark Wheatley, Chairman, City of London Corporation Markets Board.
'New Spitalfields Market is a key hub for the UK’s fresh produce supply chain, and this project shows how even the busiest commercial sites can embrace renewable energy without disruption. By installing over 2,700 solar panels across five roofs, we’re enabling the market to generate and consume its own clean electricity, delivering significant carbon savings and helping the City of London Corporation move closer to its net zero targets, said Scott Lutton, Regional Director, Vital Energi.
'New Spitalfields Market is a key hub for the UK’s fresh produce supply chain, and this project shows how even the busiest commercial sites can embrace renewable energy without disruption. By installing over 2,700 solar panels across five roofs, we’re enabling the market to generate and consume its own clean electricity, delivering significant carbon savings and helping the City of London Corporation move closer to its net zero targets,' said Chris Hayward, Policy Chairman, City of London Corporation.
The circa £2.5 million investment forms part of the City Corporation’s Climate Action Strategy, which commits the organisation to achieving net zero across its own operations by?2027, while?demonstrating?how large-scale renewable energy can be integrated into critical commercial infrastructure.
Source: Vital Energi
