West Ham’s London Stadium will boast a new look next season, after undergoing a £4.35million upgrade.Solar panels have been fitted to the roof of the Hammers’ 60,000-capacity ground, making it one of the greenest sports venues in the world.Credit: London StadiumWest Ham’s London Stadium now boasts solar panels[/caption]The renovation consists of 6,500 square metres of solar panels fully integrated into the stadium’s roof.It is also the largest investment of solar panels out of any UK ground, having been the first to be financed under the wider Mayor of London’s £500million Green Finance Fund.But the project should quickly pay for itself.It is estimated that the project will lead to savings in the stadium’s energy bill of up to £350,000 a year.This is because the energy harnessed by the panels will be enough to power all major events throughout the year – including West Ham matches and concerts.Energy firm Ameresco oversaw the project, and estimate it will generate 850,000 kWh annual – equivalent to 200 tonnes of carbon emissions and 100 transatlantic flights from London to New York.The Diamond League Novuna London Athletics Meet this weekend will be the first event to benefit from the multi-million pound investment.Team GB sprinter Daryll Neita joined UK Athletics chief executive Jack Buckner and London Stadium CEO Graham Gilmore climbed on to the roof for the solar panels’ first switch-on.Buckner said: “We’re incredibly proud that the Novuna London Athletics Meet is not only the biggest one-day athletics event in the world, but now also one of the most sustainable—powered by the very stadium that continues to set the global standard for sporting excellence. “The London Stadium is world-class in every sense, and these new solar panels show what can be achieved when innovation and legacy come together. Credit: London StadiumThe London 2012 host venue unveiled the new addition to their ground[/caption]Credit: London StadiumStaff have been hard at work installing the energy-saving feature[/caption]“With a sold-out crowd this weekend, we can’t wait to see the world’s best athletes perform in an environment that leads the way both on and off the track.”And there are plans for the stadium to reduce its overall energy consumption even more in the coming years.With further sustainable projects in the works, it is hoped that by 2026, the venue’s overall energy consumption from the national grid will drop from 12 million (recorded in 2022) to 8.5 million kWh annually.On this, stadium CEO Gilmore said: “Sustainability is now front and centre for artists, athletes, and promoters alike—and as a world-class venue, we’re proud to meet that expectation. “With 60,000 fans attending the Novuna London Athletics Meet this weekend, it’s incredibly exciting to be powering the event with energy generated right here on site. “We’re committed to being part of the climate solution.”West Ham’s stars will take to their new energy-efficient ground next monthGettyAnd the London Stadium’s new renovations will be on full display soon, with West Ham’s first home game of the Premier League season coming against Chelsea on August 22.Beyond football, the venue could once again be on the world stage in the coming years.The Government today confirmed that the UK will bid to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships and the 2029 World Para Athletics Championships, which would see the event return to London for the first time since 2017.