Extra MSA, a leading UK motorway service area operator, has completed a major sustainability project with the installation of 810 solar PV panels at its Cobham Services site on the M25 (J9/10).
As Europe’s busiest service station, this marks a significant milestone in Extra MSA’s drive to reduce its environmental impact and energy dependence on the grid.
The system is projected to generate up to 305,159 kWh of clean electricity annually, covering around 96% of the site’s total energy needs from solar power. This initiative is expected to reduce grid-supplied energy by 24%, cut carbon emissions substantially, and deliver annual energy savings of approximately £75,000.
As one of the largest single-site solar installations at a UK motorway service area, the project supports Extra MSA’s broader goal of cutting grid energy consumption across its network by 35% by 2030.
Delivered by renewable energy specialists Spirit Energy, the installation follows a series of green investments at Cobham, including the addition of six ultra-fast IONITY chargers—bringing the site’s total to 24, all powered by 100% renewable energy.
Michael Grantham, ESG Manager at Extra MSA, said: ‘Investing in low-carbon solutions across our portfolio is central to our sustainability commitment. Partnering with Spirit Energy allowed us to deliver a project of this scale despite complex roof challenges.
‘The resulting cost savings will be reinvested into enhancing our customer experience, improving facilities, and supporting our teams. We’re proud to lead the motorway services sector toward a more sustainable future.’
Tok Charles, Technical Design Engineer at Spirit Energy, added: ‘We’re proud to collaborate with Extra MSA on one of the UK’s largest solar installations for motorway services. Cobham’s high demand makes it an ideal showcase for how renewable technology can deliver real, measurable benefits for both businesses and the planet. Extra’s forward-thinking approach sets a new benchmark for sustainability in the sector.’
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