Arsenal Football Club has achieved a significant milestone at Emirates Stadium by implementing three innovative green energy initiatives, including the installation of a pioneering battery storage system.
The newly installed system can store sufficient energy to power the Emirates Stadium for an entire match, equivalent to supplying energy to 2,700 homes for two hours. This innovative development is the result of a collaboration between Pivot Power, with financial backing from Downing LLP, and facilitation by Octopus Energy. This system stands as the largest of its kind at any sports ground in the United Kingdom.
Minister for the Department of Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy, Claire Perry, remarked, “The UK is certainly not being left back on the bench, with Arsenal truly moving the goal posts when it comes to energy efficiency at Emirates Stadium. This project scores the hat-trick of tackling peak prices and storing clean energy, with the goal of selling back energy to the grid at peak times. A more flexible energy grid could save the UK billions and this kind of cutting-edge technology shows companies the potential of being part of the beautiful game of smarter energy systems.”
Arsenal’s managing director, Vinai Venkatesham, highlighted the club’s ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability, stating, “This is a big step forwards for us in being efficient with energy usage, and building on our work in reducing our carbon footprint as an organisation. We have been powered by green energy since 2017 thanks to Octopus Energy, and the battery storage system will support our efforts further.”
Currently, approximately 80 per cent of matchday waste is recycled at the stadium, and the introduction of LED floodlights has reduced floodlight energy consumption by 30 per cent. Moreover, switching to green energy has prevented 7 million kilograms of carbon emissions from entering the atmosphere—an amount substantial enough to fill Emirates Stadium over 3.9 times.
Matt Allen, CEO of Pivot Power, underscored the importance of such initiatives, noting, “Arsenal is showing how football clubs and other big power users can save money and support government plans to meet climate change targets. Batteries are central to creating a cost-effective, low-carbon economy and we are keen to help government, local authorities and businesses seize the opportunities they offer.”
Pivot Power will operate the system for the next 15 years, generating income by providing services to National Grid to help balance supply and demand. The revenue from this will be shared among Pivot Power, Downing LLP, and the club.
Arsenal’s commitment to sustainability through advanced energy solutions highlights their role as a leader in environmental responsibility within the sports industry. This initiative not only underscores the potential for cost savings but also contributes positively to broader climate change goals.