The recent completion of 2,878 solar panels at Manchester City Women’s Joie Stadium underscores the Club’s ambitious sustainability vision. This is the largest solar panel installation in Manchester’s city center. This milestone reinforces Manchester City’s commitment to environmental responsibility and cements Joie Stadium’s status as one of the most sustainable venues in world football.
The solar panel installation at Joie Stadium is part of a larger initiative to install over 10,500 solar panels across the City’s facilities, including the City Football Academy, which spans over 80 acres. The Academy’s solar power initiative aims to meet the full annual power requirements of the Club’s training facility, allowing it to operate independently of non-renewable energy sources. Once complete, the Academy is expected to become one of the largest renewable energy producers in the global sports sector.
As Pete Bradshaw, Manchester City’s Director of Sustainability, emphasized, “The completion of the Joie Stadium solar panel installation is an important step in the Club’s efforts to be net carbon zero by 2030. By transitioning to self-supplied renewable energy, we will guarantee a consistent flow of clean power that offsets the energy required to run the stadium and significantly reduce its environmental impact.”
According to the Climate Neutral Group, stadiums worldwide are major energy consumers, typically requiring significant lighting, heating, and broadcasting power. Solar energy installations, like those at Joie Stadium, present a solution by reducing reliance on grid power, thus lessening the carbon footprint of major events. Other clubs, such as Real Betis in Spain and Forest Green Rovers in the UK, also prioritize green energy solutions. Yet, Manchester City’s comprehensive approach with over 10,500 panels sets a new benchmark in the industry.
The project, completed in partnership with Jinko, Manchester City’s official solar panel provider, utilizes high-efficiency solar panels renowned for their durability and performance. Jinko’s recent contributions to sports and commercial facilities worldwide have demonstrated their panels’ capacity to endure diverse weather conditions, maximizing energy output year-round. Furthermore, the Club plans to use this partnership to engage fans and raise awareness about renewable energy. By collaborating with Jinko, Manchester City aims to educate its global fanbase on the benefits of solar energy and inspire more sustainable behaviors among supporters.
The installation is divided into two key phases. Phase One targets the rooftops of several City Football Academy buildings, including City Studio, the Club’s digital content hub. Expected to conclude by the end of 2024, Phase One will power various operations across the Academy. Phase Two will introduce thousands of ground-mounted panels, anticipated to be in place by the 2024/25 season’s end.
Charlotte O’Neill, Managing Director of Manchester City Women, commented, “As a Club, we are constantly challenging ourselves to improve...by making the stadium one of the most sustainable in the league and beyond.”
