Sustainability focus: Borussia Dortmund, Sparta Rotterdam & UEFA

Borussia Dortmund has entered into a partnership with Chinese solar development company JA Solar which it states will see Signal Iduna Park equipped with the world’s largest photovoltaic system on a stadium roof, while Sparta Rotterdam aims to be an example for sustainability in European sport through its association with Essent and UEFA has teamed up with SolarPower Europe.

Through its agreement with the German Bundesliga club, JA Solar will install more than 11,000 of its modules on Signal Iduna Park’s roof, with the system expected to provide reliable green electricity for the next 30 years.

In total, the system will generate over 4 MWh annually for Dortmund’s own consumption. It is expected to reduce the club’s CO₂ emissions by approximately 1,800 tonnes per year, while significantly improving the stadium’s energy security and resilience. In theory, the solar energy generated could power the stadium’s floodlights for 1,000 matches per year.

Installation is scheduled to take place this summer, with completion targeted in time for the 2025-26 season.

Carsten Cramer, managing director of Borussia Dortmund, said: “This collaboration underscores our commitment to sustainability and innovative technologies.

“With JA Solar’s solar modules, which will be used in the largest photovoltaic system on a stadium roof, we are setting an example for an environmentally friendly future.”

Henning Schulze, vice-president of JA Solar, added: “We believe that BVB and JA Solar share many common values, and we are truly proud that our modules are being used for this project at this iconic stadium.

“In times of rapid political change and market disruption, our participation in this project is a clear commitment from JA Solar that we are here to stay.”

Essent future proofs historic Sparta Stadion

Meanwhile, Dutch Eredivisie club Sparta has named energy company Essent as its new sustainability partner as part of a growing bond between the two organisations.

Essent, a subsidiary of British firm E.ON, has worked to significantly reduce the ecological footprint of Sparta Stadion, otherwise known as Het Kasteel, over the past year. This means that Sparta claims to have not only one of the oldest football stadiums in the Netherlands, but also one of the most sustainable.

Through the sustainability investments that Essent has made, around 188 tonnes of CO₂ emissions are saved annually. The stadium is now completely gas-free, saving around 100,000 m3 of gas per year.

The WKO system provides sustainable heating and cooling, but also supports the mandatory pitch heating in the winter, making the stadium all-electric. There are more than 1,000 solar panels on the roof of the stadium generating almost 600 MW/h of electricity per year.

“The steps we have taken together with Essent show that traditional and modern go well together,” said Manfred Laros, general manager of Sparta.

“Since we took over Het Kasteel in 2011, we have already invested a lot in sustainability. Together with Essent, we have now taken the Sparta Stadion to an even higher level and are preparing for future expansion of the stadium.”

Walter Grootveld, director of Essent Infrastructure Solutions, added: “I am extremely proud of this project. By making Het Kasteel more sustainable, we are showing how sports and sustainability reinforce each other.

“Everyone must be able to take the next step in energy transition, including sports clubs. Hopefully, the sustainability of Het Kasteel will be an example for other sports clubs in the Netherlands and Europe.”

UEFA promotes solar cause

In other news, UEFA and SolarPower Europe have partnered to promote sustainability in European football through solar energy.

SolarPower Europe is the member-led association for the European solar PV sector, representing over 320 organisations. Its mission is to ensure solar becomes Europe’s leading energy source by 2030.

The collaboration aims to support UEFA, national football associations, and clubs in reducing their carbon footprint by integrating renewable energy solutions into their daily activities.

As part of cooperation agreement, the partnership will focus on expanding solar power use, facilitating Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) for long-term renewable energy supply, and hosting a webinar in 2025 to inform national football associations about solar energy and storage options.

Michele Uva, UEFA’s director of social and environmental sustainability, said: “We aim to enhance sustainable football infrastructure by advancing renewable energy implementation and best practices. This partnership brings valuable expertise to a constantly evolving area of our work.”

Walburga Hemetsberger, CEO of SolarPower Europe, added: “Solar and football already energise communities and nations across Europe – they’re a perfect match. We’re proud to take a natural step in working with UEFA to support their 2030 sustainability goals.”

Earlier this week, the City of Vienna took a major step towards its goal of making Ernst Happel Stadion what it claims will be the first energy self-sufficient stadium in Europe, with the completion of a major photovoltaic system installation.