British Library installing innovative solar heat system

The British Library is installing the UK’s largest solar heat project, which will prevent the emission of more than 55 tonnes of carbon each year by decarbonising the institution’s hot water demand.

The technology being used is a hybrid solar collector, known as Virtu, which combines solar photovoltaics (PV) and solar thermal technology, to generate both electricity and heat from a single solar collector.

Virtu –  developed by Naked Energy – can use the power of the sun to heat water up to 120°C but in an usual application, the British Library will use it to help maintain precise temperature and humidity conditions needed to preserve their collection. 

Of course, the technology will also be used to supply the library with hot water and space heating.

As Virtu’s low-profile design does not affect the building’s architecture and can’t be seen from street level, it was possible to secure planning permission for the installation, on what is a Grade I-listed building.

Patrick Dixon, Director of Estates and Construction at the British Library, said, ‘The British Library is delighted to have benefitted from the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme.

‘We have received two grants under the scheme, one of which provided the funds for our supply partners CBRE to work with Naked Energy to design and install this innovative technology on our Grade I Listed building in London.

‘This project is part of the Library’s commitment to environmental action and we are pleased to have formally launched our new Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy during Green Libraries Week.

‘The Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme is run by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and delivered by Salix Finance. It provides capital funding to public sector bodies to fund heat decarbonisation and energy efficiency measures.’

Jon Benford, Managing Director at CBRE GWS, added,“We’re incredibly excited to be delivering the largest solar heat installation project in the UK for our client, the British Library, and supporting such an iconic British institution on their net zero journey.

‘Working towards net zero emissions in a Grade 1 listed English Heritage building comes with its own unique challenges, and we’re proud of the role this project will play in both preserving the past and protecting the future.’

Christophe Williams, Founder and CEO of Naked Energy said: ‘It’s an honour to partner with such an iconic British institution and be a part of their journey to meet their net zero goals.

‘The urgent need to decarbonise heat has long been under-recognised in the discussions over the UK’s move toward net zero. We hope that this project can serve as a catalyst to inspire others in the public sector to join the energy transition and move away from fossil fuels once and for all.

‘This project has been an immense undertaking and is an exciting step forward for the solar thermal industry in the UK.’