SSE Energy Solutions Powers Ascot’s Shift To Electrification With One Of UK Sport’s Largest Rooftop Solar Projects
The title of this post, is the same as that of this press release from SSE.
The press release starts with these three bullet points.
- System expected to generate approx. 569,000 kWh of renewable electricity annually, reducing reliance on fossil fuel power
- Installation to supply around 9% of Ascot’s annual electricity needs
- Helps improve energy resilience and cost predictability through on-site generation
These first two paragraphs add more details.
Ascot Racecourse has taken a major step in electrifying its operations with the completion of a large rooftop solar installation, delivered in partnership with SSE Energy Solutions and Ortus Energy. The system, installed across the 480-metre Grandstand roof, includes more than 1,200 solar panels and has a total capacity of 608.04 kWp.
Once fully energised, the project is expected to generate approximately 569,000 kWh of renewable electricity each year. The electricity will be used on site to help power race days, including Royal Ascot, as well as more than 180 non-racing events hosted at the venue annually. By generating electricity at source, Ascot can reduce its reliance on grid electricity generated from fossil fuels and strengthen the resilience of its operations.
The installation will meet around 9% of Ascot’s total annual electricity demand.
I have a few thoughts.
The Scheme Is Delivered Via A Long-Term Power Purchase Agreement
This is the last paragraph of the press release.
Delivered via a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA), the project requires no upfront capital investment from Ascot. SSE Energy Solutions funds the installation, while Ortus Energy designs, installs and operates the system — enabling Ascot to access renewable electricity with long-term price visibility and reduced exposure to volatile fossil fuel markets.
It looks like King Charles III, who owns Ascot racecourse, hasn’t had to put any cash up front.
What Is The Capacity Of Ascot Racecourse?
Google AI said this.
Ascot Racecourse has a maximum race-day capacity of 70,000 guests, which was reduced from 80,000 to manage crowd density and improve the overall customer experience. The venue is divided into several enclosures, each with its own limit to maintain a comfortable environment during premier events like Royal Ascot.
It may be only the third largest horse racing venue in the UK, but it is probably larger than most sports stadiums.
Which Other Stadiums Have Or Plan To Have Solar Panels In The UK?
A quick use of Google AI found these.
- Hampshire Cricket Stadium
- London Stadium
- Principality Stadium
- Queen’s
I suspect this list could grow fairly quickly.
Could SSE Be Using Ascot Racecourse To Sell Solar Roofs?
Consider.
- Ascot racecourse is one of the most prestigious venues in the UK.
- Ascot racecourse has its own dedicated railway station.
- There are twenty-six race days per year.
- Both codes of horse-racing are featured.
- Some meetings are followed by live music.
- I suspect flying drones about the stands to show off the solar panels could be arranged.
- Catering should be top notch.
- Everything for a high-class sales-presentation should be available.
Ascot racecourse could be an ideal venue to sell large solar roofs to owners of sports stadia or other large buildings.
Will The Real Andy Burnham Please Stand Up!
As I wrirw posts in the next couple of weeks, if I find Andy Burnham has said something about the subject, that is worth adding, I will add it.
TerraLithium, BHE Renewables Announce Key Milestones For Geothermal Lithium Project In California
The title of this post, is the same as that of this article on ThinkGeoEnergy.
This is the sub-heading.
TerraLithium and BHE Renewables have announced key milestones towards advancing technology for lithium extraction from geothermal brines in Imperial Valley, California.
This is the important paragraph in the article.
The business model of coupling lithium and critical minerals extraction with geothermal energy production is gaining increasing attention, both in the United States and in countries like Germany, France, and the UK. As demonstrated in the United Downs geothermal power project in Cornwall, lithium extraction provides additional revenue generation that can significantly improve the economics of deep geothermal projects.
So here we have little Cornwall showing Big California how to get power and lithium out of hot rocks.
In Cornish Plant Produces Geothermal Power, I described the progress at the Cornish plant in March.
Has Andy Burnham Ever Said Anything On Geothermal Energy?
Given that there is an election or coronation under way, I just had to ask Google AI, the question in the title of this section.
This is the answer I received.
Yes, Andy Burnham has occasionally engaged with topics involving geothermal energy, particularly in the context of tapping natural underground heat and mine water for green energy
His notable references to the technology include:
Supporting Manchester’s Geothermal Potential: He has voiced support for localized renewable heat projects, such as exploratory borehole plans in Manchester city centre intended to tap into thermal springs for community heating.
I think we can put that down as a favourable view.
This excellent article on the BBC is entitled Plan To Heat Manchester Homes With A Geothermal Spring, is worth a full read.
What Are The Benefits Of Being Coeliac?
When I was diagnosed as coeliac by Addenbrooke’s Hospital in the 1990s, Artificial Intelligence didn’t widely exist, so I thought I’d ask Google AI, the question in the title of this post.
I received this reply.
While coeliac disease is a serious lifelong autoimmune condition, receiving a formal diagnosis and adapting to the lifestyle brings several unexpected secondary health, lifestyle, and practical benefits.
Health Improvements
Restored gut health: Eliminating gluten stops autoimmune attacks, letting your small intestine heal completely.
Increased energy: Improved nutrient absorption reverses chronic fatigue and malnourishment.
Reduced long-term risks: Strict adherence lowers your chances of developing osteoporosis, anemia, or other autoimmune conditions.
No medication needed: The primary treatment relies entirely on dietary changes, avoiding pharmaceuticals or surgeries.
Lifestyle & Nutritional Perks
Whole-food nutrition: Avoiding processed gluten foods naturally steers you toward fresh meats, fish, fruit, and vegetables.
Culinary exploration: You are introduced to naturally gluten-free alternative grains like quinoa, teff, and buckwheat.
Diverse cuisines: Finding safe meals encourages trying diverse food traditions such as authentic Thai, Indian, or Persian cuisines.
Intentional eating: Reading ingredient labels raises your awareness of hidden sugars, fats, and additives.
Home cooking: Missing out on standard fast-food joints builds confidence in cooking high-quality meals from scratch.
Practical & Community Advantages
Financial assistance: Depending on your location, such as the UK, you may qualify for gluten-free staples like bread on prescription. In other regions, you might be eligible for medical tax deductions.
Family health awareness: Because it is a hereditary condition, your diagnosis helps first-degree relatives get tested and treated early.
Built-in community: Patient support organizations like Coeliac UK provide robust networks, meal apps, and peer guidance.
Decisive ordering: Minimal gluten-free choices at restaurants eliminates general decision fatigue when browsing large menus.
The only thing, I might add is that according to the University of Nottingham, has shown, that because of their enhanced immune system, coeliacs have a lower cancer rate than the general population.
The Anonymous Widower 