UK service station owner and operator, Extra MSA, has recently completed an installation of 810 solar PV panels at its Cobham Services site on the M25 (J9/10).
As the busiest service station in Europe, the installation at Cobham marks a significant step in Extra MSA’s sustainability journey, with the new system expected to generate up to 305,159kWh of clean energy every year.
This installation is one of the largest single-site solar projects at a UK motorway service area. It is projected to consume 96% of the estimated annual generation, cut the amenity building grid-supplied energy by 24% and significantly reduce Cobham’s overall carbon footprint.
It is also expected to deliver significant financial benefits, saving an estimated £75,000 annually on electricity costs.
With an estimated output of 305,159kWh, the new solar panels will have significant impact on reducing Extra’s overall carbon footprint, taking it a step closer to meeting its target of reducing grid energy consumption across its estate by 35% by 2030.
Delivered by Spirit Energy, the installation is the latest in promoting better sustainability at Extra’s Cobham site, following the recent installation of six additional ultra-fast IONITY chargers, bringing the site’s total up to 24 ultra-fast chargers, all of which use 100% renewable energy.
Micheal Grantham, ESG Manager at Extra MSA, said, “Investing in low-carbon solutions across our portfolio is central to our sustainability commitment. Partnering with Spirit Energy enabled us to deliver a system of this scale on a complex roof structure, overcoming the challenges that typically hinder large-scale installations.
“The cost savings we’re delivering will also allow us to reinvest back into our people and customers, whether through enhanced amenities, improved customer experience, or support for our teams. We’re proud to be setting a precedent for the motorway service sector and look forward to continuing our progress toward a greener, more sustainable future.”
Tok Charles, Technical Design Engineer at Spirit Energy, said, “Cobham is a high-demand, high-profile site, and this project demonstrates how the adoption of renewable technologies can make a significant difference in such environments. Extra’s proactive approach sets a new benchmark for the sector, proving that sustainable solutions can deliver for businesses, their customers, and the planet.”
