Borussia Dortmund’s renewable energy installation makes history in sports
Installing solar panels at SIGNAL IDUNA PARK
Built in 1974, SIGNAL IDUNA PARK is the home of Borussia Dortmund and Germany’s largest stadium with 81,365 seats. Hosting games during the 1974 and 2006 FIFA World Cups, it is rich with history. Most recently, its renewable energy ambitions have made history in sports.
Borussia Dortmund and JA SOLAR, a photovoltaic module manufacturer, have partnered to install over 11,000 modules on the roof of SIGNAL IDUNA PARK. In doing so, they will create the world’s largest solar installation on a stadium roof.
“This collaboration underlines our commitment to sustainability and innovative technologies. With JA SOLAR's modules, which will power the largest photovoltaic system on any stadium roof, we are setting the course for a more environmentally friendly future.”
Carsten Cramer, Managing Director of Borussia Dortmund GmbH & Co. KGaA
Once the installation of this new photovoltaic system is completed, it’s expected that the 11,000 modules will generate over 4 GWh of renewable electricity every year for Borussia Dortmund. The club expects this installation to be completed by the end of this summer.
Reducing Borussia Dortmund’s emissions with solar energy
In their 2023/2024 sustainability report, Borussia Dortmund disclosed that the club released 45,495.8 tCO2e across Scope 1, 2 & 3. Additionally, 18.6 GWh of energy was consumed, with SIGNAL IDUNA PARK accountable for 11.8 GWh.
The club and JA SOLAR estimate that the 4 GWh generated by the new 11,000 modules will reduce Borussia Dortmund’s emissions by approximately 1,800 tCO2e annually. These savings represent around 3.95% of the club’s 2023/2024 footprint.
This new installation will contribute to Borussia Dortmund’s ambition to halve its Scope 1 & 2 emissions by 2029/2030 and reach carbon neutrality by 2040. The installation also follows the club's announcement in December 2024 that it is committing to setting science-based targets.
More widely, we hope this historic announcement will encourage more clubs to participate in accelerating the renewable energy transition. From EFL League One clubs like Exeter City Football Club to European giants like Dortmund, clubs at all levels can create waves of climate action.
