Solar panels have been fitted to the roof of London’s Olympic stadium – and will help power a major athletics event being held on Saturday. The £4.35m project makes the former 2012 venue – now renamed the London Stadium and home to West Ham United – the “greenest” sports venue in the UK. The fit-out was completed on Thursday, ahead of the sold-out Novuna London athletics event and marks 20 years since London won the right to host the Olympics. The 60,000-capacity Diamond League meeting is the first to benefit from the installation of 6,500 sq m of advanced solar membrane panels, now fully integrated into the iconic stadium’s roof. The energy harnessed from the sun’s rays will power all major event days throughout the year—including West Ham matches and music concerts. It is estimated that the project will quickly pay for itself by leading to savings in the stadium’s energy bill of up to £350,000 a year. Team GB sprinter Daryll Neita joined UK Athletics chief executive Jack Buckner and London Stadium chief executive Graham Gilmore climbed on to the roof for the switch-on. It is also part of London mayor Sir Sadiq Khan’s broader aim to make the capital “net zero” in terms of carbon emissions by 2030. By 2026, with more energy saving projects and the solar panels operating, the stadium’s overall energy consumption from the national grid will drop from 12 million (recorded in 2022) to 8.5 million kWh annually—a total saving of 3.5 million kWh. Energy firm Ameresco won the contract to design, install, operate, and maintain the solar membrane system. The bespoke solution incorporates ultra-lightweight thin-film photovoltaic (PV) panels to ensure minimal weight on the roof, maximum energy generation, and full compliance with fire safety regulations. Mr Gilmore said: “Sustainability is now front and centre for artists, athletes, and promoters alike—and as a world-class venue, we’re proud to meet that expectation. We’re committed to being part of the climate solution.” Mr Buckner said: “We’re incredibly proud that the Novuna London Athletics Meet is not only the biggest one-day athletics event in the world, but now also one of the most sustainable. “The London Stadium is world-class in every sense, and these new solar panels show what can be achieved when innovation and legacy come together.” Mete Coban, Sir Sadiq’s deputy mayor for environment and energy, said: “The new solar panels at London Stadium show how we’re transforming one of the capital’s most iconic venues into a global leader in sustainable sport and entertainment. “This flagship project is the first to benefit from the Mayor’s £500m Green Finance Fund that supports work across the capital to reduce emissions, lower energy bills and inspire climate action. The fund is still open for applications.”