Ascot Racecourse has taken a significant step in its efforts to cut emissions with the installation of a major new rooftop solar array, delivered with SSE Energy Solutions and Ortus Energy.
The rooftop solar system, which is scheduled for final grid connection and electrification in early summer, will help Ascot with its ambition to be one of the most sustainable sporting venues in the world. As well as Royal Ascot and other race days, it will support day-to-day operations and more than 180 non-racing events held at the venue each year.
The rooftop solar system will offset around 9% of Ascot's annual electricity consumption and deliver year‑one carbon savings of approximately 118 tonnes of CO₂, providing measurable emissions reductions.
Installed across the 480‑meter-long roof of the grandstand, the array has a total capacity of 608.04 kWp and comprises more than 1,200 solar panels. It is expected to generate approximately 569,000 kWh of renewable electricity in its first year once energized, enough power for a medium sized electric car to drive just over one million laps of the course. The system is designed so that 100% of the energy generated will be used on site, supporting day-to-day operations at Ascot Racecourse.
Ascot now sits alongside the London Stadium and Manchester City's campus as having one of the most substantial on-site solar installations in UK sport, and is a flagship within British horse racing.
Felicity Barnard, chief executive of Ascot Racecourse, said: "This installation is a significant milestone for Ascot. It allows us to take a major step forward in our plans to cut emissions and strengthen the resilience of our operations. By turning our grandstand roof into a long-term energy asset, and bringing the system online later this year, we will be supporting both our environmental commitments and the future sustainability of the racecourse."
Tamsin Lishman, customer asset director for SSE Energy Solutions, said:
"Rooftop solar is one of the most effective ways for organizations to cut emissions while improving cost stability and energy security. Projects like Ascot demonstrate how commercial solar can be delivered at scale, even in complex and high-profile environments, helping customers build resilience and make tangible progress on their net zero ambitions once systems are energized."
Alistair Booth, CEO, Ortus Energy, said: "Commercial rooftop solar is a major opportunity for the UK to cut emissions, particularly as the government targets a significant expansion of solar capacity to 45-47GW by 2030.
"In sport, organizations are also under growing pressure to reduce their environmental impact, with UK Sport identifying sustainability as a core pillar of its social impact strategy.
"Ascot Racecourse shows what's possible when ambition, expertise, and delivery align—acting ahead of mandate and setting the benchmark. Through a power purchase agreement, the system provides a robust, long-term solution with clear visibility on energy, usage and carbon savings once live—ensuring measurable, lasting impact."
This press release has been edited for content and style by BloodHorse Staff.
