The Norfolk Showground has invested £200,000 in solar panels for the roof of its flagship events arena – enough to power the whole site.
The 624 panels have been installed on the south-facing roof of the Norfolk Showground Arena, the county’s largest indoor events venue.
The Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association (RNAA), which owns the site, expects the energy produced will offset 102pc of the annual consumption of the whole showground – making it “energy neutral”.
RNAA managing director Mark Nicholas said: “This is the Norfolk Showground leading the way with sustainable energy use.
“It is a significant investment, and it is really timely for us.”
“The long-term reason for doing it is about making Norfolk Showground a much more sustainable venue, and we recognise the RNAA has a leadership role in Norfolk to demonstrate that yes, we too are doing this, in order to help and encourage others.
“Then there is the coincidence of rising energy prices, and it could not have come at a better time for us because it will produce a significant saving on our electricity bills.”
Article by Chris Hill, EDP Agricultural Editor