Image: Shaun Roster.
Low Carbon is to extend its partnership with Land Rover’s yacht racing team, formed by four-time Olympic gold medallist Sir Ben Ainslie, with the installation of more solar capacity at its base in Portsmouth alongside new electric vehicle chargers.
The investment company will also remain the team’s renewable energy partner for the 36th America’s Cup campaign.
Low Carbon has served as the official renewable energy partner of Land Rover Ben Ainslie Racing (BAR) since 2015, previously installing a ~115kW solar installation at the base and a 67.2kW solar installation at the local Northern Parade School.
Low Carbon additionally co-funded the installation of the largest ground-mounted solar project in Bermuda for the country’s national museum in 2017, helping to offset Land Rover BAR’s carbon footprint while training and competing in the 35th America’s Cup.
The team are now undertaking an onsite assessment to confirm how much additional solar will be added to the site, as well as the number of EV chargers to be installed.
These won’t be connected to the solar arrays although Low Carbon pointed out that the base in Portsmouth does already use 100% clean energy on site.
Roy Bedlow, co-founder of Low Carbon, said: “We’re delighted to extend our partnership and work with Land Rover BAR as they strive to win the 36th America’s Cup.
Our work together has not only helped tangibly reduce electricity costs and carbon emissions, it is helping to educate the public and particularly young people about the importance of tackling climate change.”
Jo Grindley, chief commercial officer for Land Rover BAR, added: “We are grateful for Low Carbon’s continued support, enabling us to minimise our carbon footprint and produce more renewable energy at our bases. We are excited to start planning future legacy and education projects and hope we can inspire others to make the change to clean energy.”