Utilita Bowl has begun the installation of more than 1,000 solar panels, marking its first significant stride towards becoming the world's greenest cricket ground.

This industry-leading initiative, in partnership with Utilita Energy, means the cricket ground will generate nearly a quarter of its yearly electricity consumption.

Importantly, enough electricity will be generated to cover power consumption on match days.

The solar panels will produce an impressive 381,829kwh annually, delivering a substantial saving each year in electricity costs.

Moreover, the clean energy initiative will significantly reduce the venue's footprint, eliminating around 80 tonnes of carbon per year - equivalent to driving a standard car for 301,855 miles.

The project started on June 17, green-lit by Eastleigh Borough Council, with 1,044 solar panels scheduled for installation on five buildings of the arena within the coming weeks.

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Work will commence at the Colin Ingleby-Mackenzie Stand and progress to the Shane Warne Stand, Arthur Holt Pavilion, and Hampshire Wellbeing Centre before ending with more than 600 panels installed across Hilton Southampton.

Also slated to begin in the following weeks is the installation of EV charging points at Hilton Southampton, with completion targeted for July.

David Mann, CEO at Utilita Bowl, said: "To be at this stage now is such an exciting part of this partnership with Utilita, where we have set out a bold vision to create the greenest international cricket venue in the world.

"Utilita Bowl is on track to do that, with this first key step being the installation of over one thousand solar panels.

"Destinations like Utilita Bowl have a powerful responsibility to the future of our community, and we are thoroughly committed to owning our role and playing our part through this project, and many more initiatives to come."

Bill Bullen, CEO at Utilita, said: "When announcing our partnership with Utilita Bowl earlier this year, we did not hold back on sharing our ambitions and outlining our plans.

"That’s because we meant every word and I’m delighted we have now physically started our joint venture to transform this magnificent venue into the world’s greenest cricket ground.

"From the moment that first solar panel was installed, we began making history."