A bright future for the Eden Project’s renewable energy supply

Overview of the challenge

The Eden Project is an educational charity, world-class garden and global leader in sustainability and environmental storytelling. As part of their commitment to become climate positive by 2030, the charity looked to enhance its energy infrastructure with a focus on renewable energy solutions. They faced an ambitious challenge to further reduce their carbon footprint while continuing to inspire visitors with their commitment to environmental innovation.

The Eden Project installed the UK’s first deep geothermal well since 1986 to provide sustainable heat to its Growing Point plant nursery, iconic Biomes and adjacent offices. The charity subsequently identified the need for additional clean energy sources to complement its existing systems.

The challenge was to expand its renewable energy capacity without compromising its mission to educate, innovate and engage visitors with tangible models of sustainability. To meet this challenge, the charity set out to grow its solar energy solution and reinforce its credentials as a sustainability pioneer.

Our approach

Custom Solar, part of Mitie, were bought in to deliver the project. Their expertise with integrated solar solutions ensured the smooth management of the engineering design, development and installation of the solar PV system.

The project was funded through Zestec Renewable Energy’s Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) funding model, which aligns with the Eden Project’s dedication to environmental innovation. The partnership between Custom Solar and Zestec made sure the solar initiative was implemented seamlessly, from engineering conception to final installation.

By investing in a roof-mounted solar solution, the Eden Project is both reducing its reliance on fossil fuels and supporting the UK’s wider decarbonisation goals. The partnership approach enabled the charity to pursue a cost-efficient renewable energy system, with long-term benefits for both its operational energy needs and its sustainability commitments.

“This solar installation is a powerful example of how we are advancing our mission to demonstrate ways in which we can take positive action for the planet and embrace renewable energy solutions. By building on our existing renewable energy infrastructure and literally harnessing the power of the sun, we are taking a significant step toward achieving our carbon reduction goals. This project not only enhances our energy resilience but also underscores the vital role renewable energy plays in addressing the global climate crisis.”

The results

Now operational, the new solar PV system is projected to generate approximately c.145 kWh of clean electricity annually. This enhances the Eden Project’s energy supply while significantly reducing its carbon emissions.

The system will save an estimated 32 tonnes of CO2e annually, equivalent to the yearly electricity usage of 29 average UK homes, further propelling the charity towards its goal of becoming climate positive by 2030. This initiative complements the Eden Project’s existing green energy systems already installed on site, demonstrating a layered approach to sustainable energy.

By showcasing measurable progress towards reducing its carbon footprint, The Eden Project continues to inspire local communities and visitors worldwide to embrace sustainable energy practices, all while contributing to national efforts to combat climate change.

Why choose Mitie?

Custom Solar enables Mitie to deliver integrated solar power solutions in the public and private sectors. We make renewable energy accessible for our clients.