Royal Navy makes a splash with solar

A Royal Navy shore-based training centre in Cornwall has installed solar power, in a bid to heat its main swimming pool and reduce its carbon footprint.


Energy solutions company Kier fitted 69 photovoltaic (PV) panels onto the HMS Raleigh centre, which is used for sea survival training and during the Navy’s 10-week basic training course.

It is anticipated the system will generate more than 30,000kWh of green energy each year, saving in excess of 7,800kg of CO2 by reducing the load on the conventional heating system.

Kier managing director Nigel Sheppard, said: “Installing solar power for swimming pools is a relatively short-term investment that has long-term benefits and, after allowing for fuel savings, tax allowances and payments, payback periods generally last between six and eight years.”

Carys Matthews

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