Naked Energy’s solar thermal tech installed on roof of Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London

The iconic Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London has installed world-leading solar heat technology from Naked Energy on its rooftop. This pioneering installation makes the luxury hotel the first in the UK to use Naked Energy’s cutting-edge solar thermal collectors, demonstrating its commitment to reducing carbon emissions and energy consumption.

The project, installed by leading renewable technology specialists SHEco, comprises 120 of Naked Energy’s VirtuHOT collectors, which provide sanitary hot water for the hotel’s 181 luxury guest rooms and suites, award-winning restaurants, and spa. The system is expected to generate 39,747 kWh of renewable heat annually, resulting in a 7.3-tonne reduction in carbon emissions each year—equivalent to the annual carbon sequestration of over 292 mature trees.

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 greenhouse gas reduction per square metre compared to conventional solar PV panels.

While energy consumption across the UK has declined since 1990, the hotel sector’s demand has surged—driven largely by heating and hot water, which account for nearly 70% of a hotel’s energy use. The VirtuHOT installation at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London sets a new standard for decarbonising the hospitality industry, providing a scalable solution for hotels looking to cut emissions and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London is one of the city’s most recognisable hotels with a 140-year history, and 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 architecture, overcoming planning challenges faced by buildings surrounding Hyde Park.

Christophe Williams, Co-Founder and CEO of Naked Energy, said: “It’s an honour to have our collectors installed at such an iconic London hotel. The building has a long and storied history, and we’re proud to help Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London meet its sustainability goals while managing energy costs alongside our trusted partner SHEco.

“The need to decarbonise heat is often overlooked in conversations about the UK’s net-zero transition. This project is an exciting milestone for solar heat in the UK, and we hope other hoteliers will follow Mandarin Oriental’s lead in embracing renewable solutions and reducing their reliance on fossil fuels.”