Renewable Energy Revolution in Football: Bridlington Town AFC Leads the Way
In a groundbreaking move that's set to change the face of English football, Bridlington Town AFC has become the latest club to join the renewable energy revolution. With the installation of 400 rooftop solar panels under its 'Energy for All' scheme, the stadium will not only provide clean energy but also significantly reduce the club's carbon footprint and electricity costs. This innovative initiative is spearheaded by HDM Worldwide Limited, a leading green energy firm based in Kingston-upon-Hull.
The brainchild of Dan Rogers, managing director of HDM Worldwide and new owner of Bridlington Town AFC, this project is a testament to his vision for a sustainable future. "I thought if we just gave away solar to everybody then we can make our own energy and not have to worry about anyone else," he explains, highlighting the core principle behind the 'Energy for All' scheme.
Under Rogers' guidance, HDM Worldwide has been at the forefront of promoting renewable energy in the UK. With a recent £10.2m funding injection to accelerate its nationwide rollout, the company is well-positioned to lead the charge towards a more sustainable future. As Rogers puts it, "The overriding objective is to prove that renewable energy does work commercially." By demonstrating the commercial viability of solar power and other green technologies, HDM Worldwide aims to pave the way for mass adoption.
Bridlington Town AFC's involvement in this initiative marks a significant step forward in the club's history. With an average attendance of around 200 spectators per match, Rogers has seen a notable increase to over 750 fans attending games since taking ownership. The new solar-powered energy system is expected to generate approximately £42,000 annually, which will not only offset the club's electricity costs but also enable them to offer free tickets for under-16s or full family day out incentives for just £10.
Rogers' vision for Bridlington Town AFC goes beyond mere commercial success; he wants to use his platform to engage with and benefit the local community. "You can take something that's good for the environment and make it very commercially viable for the benefit of communities — and football is a great way of engaging the community," he emphasizes.
The installation at Queensgate stadium, Bridlington, has not only brought about significant energy savings but also serves as an exemplary model for other clubs. With the Football Association partnering with E.ON to provide energy-saving advice and funding to 18,000 grassroots clubs earlier this year, and its 'Greener Game' programme launched just last month, there is a growing recognition of the importance of sustainability in football.
As Rogers looks to build on this momentum, he emphasizes that fair competition is essential for survival. "We don't want to sit where we are in the league. We fully expect to fund the club to progress through the leagues," he says confidently. With his team already planning for the launch of a women's side next year and expanding their youth, under-19s, and reserve teams, Bridlington Town AFC is set to become a force to be reckoned with in English football.
The Seasiders' current fanbase may only account for less than 1% of Bridlington's population, but Rogers sees this as an opportunity to build momentum. "They were cheering the team on and they felt empowered by it," he says, highlighting the sense of community that his vision has created. By harnessing the power of renewable energy and engaging with local residents, Rogers aims to put Bridlington Town AFC firmly on the map.
Bridlington's Renewable Energy Model: A Blueprint for Success
The 'Energy for All' scheme at Bridlington Town AFC is not just a pioneering project; it also serves as a model for other community clubs. By installing solar panels and harnessing the energy generated, these clubs can become self-sufficient, reducing their reliance on external power sources.
Rogers emphasizes that this is an achievable goal for many community clubs across the UK. "There are lots of examples around the UK where community clubs are going to be able to do that," he says confidently. With the right leadership and resources in place, these clubs can create community power projects, building solar farms and wiring them into local properties.
While this level of self-sufficiency is not yet a reality for Bridlington Town AFC, Rogers' vision is clear: "We're not there yet, but there are examples of it happening. And it will be really cool when we make the country and the world aware that it's possible to do that and get ourselves away from expensive energy.