Edinburgh Zoo is installing the UK’s largest zoo-based solar meadow in partnership with electric utility company E.ON.
The new solar panel array is part of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s bid to reduce its carbon footprint by 60 percent by 2030. The conservation charity aims to be net zero by 2040.
“It’s vital that we inspire people to protect, value and love nature, and that starts with ensuring we’re reducing our own carbon paw-print on site at our zoos,” said David Field, chief executive of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland.
“Nature and nature-based solutions must be prioritised, and our new solar installation with E.ON is a huge step in setting the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland as a global exemplar for biodiversity and sustainability.
“The meadow is projected to generate up to 880,000 kWh a year, which represents a saving of 194 tonnes of CO2e, or 8 percent of our carbon annually.”
“When the solar meadow is complete, we’ll become the number one zoo in the UK for green energy generation, and number three in Europe.”
Via a statement, the solar meadow will feature more than 1,500 bifacial solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, which can potentially generate up to 880,000 kWh of power annually.
Edinburgh Zoo to reduce carbon footprint
It is expected to provide around 25 percent of the zoo‘s electricity consumption when the 1,548 solar panels to be installed by the end of this year.
“There’s no greater positive link between energy and our environment than generating sustainable power and using it for wildlife conservation, and this agreement with RZSS delivers both an economic and environmental win,” said Chris Lovatt, chief operating officer of UK solutions at E.ON.
SeaWorld San Antonio has also started installing a state-of-the-art solar canopy to generate 16 percent of the theme park’s electricity and provide shade to 1,200 parking spots.
Images courtesy of Royal Zoological Society of Scotland / Sandy Young Photography
