The Snow Centre indoor ski facility at Hemel Hempstead has taken a bold step toward Net Zero, partnering with energy services provider eEnergy to install a 1,940-panel rooftop solar array.
The system now supplies 22.7% of the Centre’s energy needs, generating over 790,000 kWh of clean electricity annually and cutting carbon emissions by 163 tonnes—equivalent to 926 return flights from London to Geneva.
The installation faced complex engineering challenges, including fitting panels on The Snow Centre’s famous living roof, fire safety constraints, and 24/7 snow operations. eEnergy deployed bifacial, glass-backed modules using a non-penetrating mount system to protect biodiversity and structural integrity.
“We’re proud to lead by example,” said Ian Brown, Managing Director of The Snow Centre. “Sustainability enhances operations—it’s good for the planet, our bottom line, and the ski community.”
The Snow Centre has also invested in energy-efficient chillers across its Hemel and Manchester sites and is exploring wind and further renewables.
Protect Our Winters UK Ambassador Warren Smith Ski Academy, said, “I grew up and learnt to ski there, so to know it can now generate enough clean energy in a single day to power the lift system is incredible. For the ski industry, it’s inspiring to see real action being taken — this is the kind of progress we need to protect the future of our sport.”
