The Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London installed solar heat technology on its rooftop.

This is the first luxury hotel in the U.K. to use Naked Energy’s solar thermal collectors, demonstrating its commitment to reducing carbon emissions and energy consumption. 

The project, installed by renewable technology specialists SHEco, comprises 120 Naked Energy’s VirtuHOT collectors, which provide sanitary hot water for the hotel’s 181 luxury guest rooms and suites, restaurants, and spa.

The system is expected to generate 39,747 kWh of renewable heat annually, resulting in a 7.3-ton reduction in carbon emissions annually.

VirtuHOT is different from traditional solar PV systems in that it operates at the grid edge, generating renewable heat directly where it’s needed without adding strain to the grid. Its modular, high-density design delivers over three times the GHG per square meter compared to conventional solar PV panels. 

While energy consumption across the U.K. has declined since 1990, the hotel sector’s demand has surged. Energy demand at hotels have risen largely due to heating and the use of hot water, which account for nearly 70% of a hotel’s energy use.

Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London underwent an extensive multi-million-pound restoration before reopening in 2019. The low-profile design of Naked Energy’s collectors ensures they seamlessly integrate with the hotel’s 140-year-old architecture, overcoming planning challenges faced by buildings surrounding Hyde Park. 

“Naked Energy’s remarkable solar technology aligns seamlessly with our hotel’s core commitment to the wellbeing of our planet, of our community, and our staff and guests,” said Torsten van Dullemen, general manager, area vice president and group director of Sustainability, Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London, in a statement.  “I’m delighted to bring such an innovative solar heating system to our hotel – we’re designing a cutting-edge hotel experience that is built for the future we want to live in. We hope this installation serves as a blueprint to inspire other hoteliers in London to prioritise their renewable goals and join us in creating a cleaner, more sustainable tomorrow.”