London Welcomes World's Largest Solar-Powered Bridge

TAKEPART. (Photo: Richard Newstead/Getty Images) January 28, 2014 By Salvatore Cardoni  The energy generated by the 4,400 solar panels atop Blackfriars Bridge will prevent 511 tons of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere each year. Iconic London landmarks Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, and Big Ben will probably always top the must-visit list for casual city tourists. But for granola-minded visitors, there might just be a new top-dog attraction—Blackfriars Bridge, the world’s largest solar-powered bridge.   The roof of the bridge, first built in 1886, was recently retrofitted with 4,400 solar photovoltaic panels covering 6,000 square meters. Capable of generating up to 900,000 kilowatt hours of clean energy annually, the panels will supply half the power needed to run the Blackfriars tube station each year. Officials at the firm behind the project, SolarCentury, estimate the panels will prevent 511 tons of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere each year. That’s equivalent to the annual greenhouse gas emissions from 106 cars. "Electric trains are already the greenest form of public transport—this roof gives our passengers an even more sustainable journey," David Statham, director of First Capital Connect, the group that manages London’s rail transport, told Business Green.   Others involved with the solar overhaul said they hoped the panels would serve as an outsize advertisement for citywide sustainability efforts. "The fact that it's so visual is a real bonus," said SolarCentury’s Suzanna Lashford. "London often tries to be a sustainable city, and I think it's great from that point of view." 
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