Naked Energy’s solar thermal tech installed on roof of Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London
First hotel in London to adopt the world’s highest-density solar thermal technology to decarbonise its heating
Installation will reduce carbon emissions by 7.3 tonnes annually — equivalent of 292 mature trees
23 June 2025, 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, 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."
Torsten van Dullemen, General Manager, Area Vice President & Group Director of Sustainability, Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London, said: “Naked Energy’s remarkable solar technology aligns seamlessly with our hotel’s core commitment to the wellbeing of our planet, of our community, and our staff and guests.
“I’m delighted to bring such an innovative solar heating system to our hotel - we’re designing a cutting-edge hotel experience that is built for the future we want to live in. We hope this installation serves as a blueprint to inspire other hoteliers in London to prioritise their renewable goals and join us in creating a cleaner, more sustainable tomorrow.”
Adam Clark, Commercial Director of SHEco, said: "It has been a pleasure to work alongside Naked Energy and Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London on this pioneering project. The energy transition is gaining momentum, and businesses must reassess their decarbonisation strategies—particularly when it comes to heat—to stay on track for net zero."
Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London project sets a benchmark for sustainable hospitality and serves as a model for other hotels looking to reduce carbon emissions and adopt grid-independent renewable heat solutions.
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Notes to editor
For Naked Energy enquiries, please contact: nakedenergy@harpswood.com
About Naked Energy
Naked Energy is a British design and engineering business, leading the global innovation in solar thermal and solar PVT. Naked Energy’s mission is to change energy for good, by displacing fossil fuel in global commercial and industrial buildings through the deployment of its high impact, cost effective and versatile solar heat and power technologies. Naked Energy’s high energy density solutions are capable of decarbonising heat cost-effectively and with limited space; its solar PVT technology delivers up to four times the carbon savings per m2 in comparison to conventional solar PV.
About Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London
Where two wonderful worlds converge, Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London is an iconic landmark that sits both on Knightsbridge and in Hyde Park. With a storied 140-year history, the hotel seamlessly blends contemporary flair with impeccable service. Each of the hotel’s rooms and suites were redesigned as part of the most-extensive multi-million-pound restoration in the hotel's history by internationally-renowned designer Joyce Wang, to create a sense of peace, and reflect the natural beauty of neighbouring Hyde Park. An award-winning spa and diverse dining choices from two-Michelin starred Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, the secluded summer terrace at Hyde Park Garden, Japanese Izakaya at The Aubrey, Traditional Afternoon Tea in The Rosebery and cocktails in the Mandarin Bar makes Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London one of London’s premier addresses.
About SHEco
SHEco Renewable Systems Ltd, part of the wider SHEco Group, are specialists in providing turnkey decarbonisation solutions for the industrial and commercial sectors. Working from the concept to the construction phase, SHEco Renewable Systems can design and install systems using a wide range of renewable energy technology including air source and ground source heat pumps alongside solar PV and solar thermal. Through partnerships with market leading products, SHEco can tailor the solution to suit customers requirements, from return on investment to cutting energy bills or purely as part of their net zero strategy.