Environment and revenue perfectly combined, Borussia Dortmund and RWE show how it's done. As premium & sustainability partner, RWE is supporting BVB in its decarbonization plans and installing a photovoltaic system on the roof of Signal Iduna Park. The system is not only environmentally friendly, but also economically sustainable, setting new standards worldwide with its exceptional performance.
In this Success Story:
The Challenge
SIGNAL IDUNA PARK is Germany’s largest football stadium and consumes substantial amounts of energy, especially on match days.
To meet energy needs more sustainably and significantly reduce CO₂ emissions, a photovoltaic system was needed that would not only deliver meaningful environmental benefits but also prove economically viable and serve as a model for other sports venues. The requirements included integrating state‑of‑the‑art solar technology, incorporating a battery storage system, and developing additional joint energy projects.
With RWE, Borussia Dortmund has the ideal partner at its side: In summer 2024, BVB and Germany’s second‑largest energy supplier entered into a six‑year partnership. As Premium & Sustainability Partner, RWE supports the club in pursuing its ambitious decarbonization goals.
The SPORTFIVE Approach
SPORTFIVE provided strategic guidance throughout the partnership between RWE and BVB and developed the activation concept surrounding the photovoltaic installation. Through targeted communication measures, the partnership was positioned as a flagship sustainability project in the sports sector, leveraging BVB’s extensive reach to raise public awareness of green electricity and the energy transition.
Thomas Joos, Vice President Team Borussia Dortmund at SPORTFIVE, explains: “We are very proud to have facilitated this exceptional partnership between BVB and RWE. This collaboration underscores both organizations’ commitment to climate protection and innovation - and highlights their shared ambition to create forward‑looking solutions for a more climate‑friendly world.”
Implementation
The first photovoltaic system, consisting of more than 200 solar modules, was installed on the roof of the BVB FanWorld as early as April 2024.
The new photovoltaic installation on SIGNAL IDUNA PARK, developed as part of the sustainability partnership between BVB and RWE, comprises 11,132 solar modules and delivers an output of more than 5 megawatts (MWp). This makes Germany’s largest stadium home to the most powerful PV system ever installed on a stadium roof worldwide.
In the future, BVB will cover up to half of the stadium’s electricity needs using solar power. Compared to the previous energy supply, the new system saves around 1,700 tons of CO2 per year.
The world record has been officially confirmed by the Rekordinstitut Deutschland and was accompanied by a dedicated communication campaign.
World’s Most Powerful Stadium Roof PV System
11,132 solar modules with a total output of 5 megawatts (MWp) have been installed.
Climate Friendly Energy Supply
BVB now covers up to half of its stadium’s electricity needs through solar power.
Around 1,700 tonnes of CO₂ per year
the new solar installation saves compared to the previous electricity supply.
This initiative is a key component of our decarbonization strategy and aligns perfectly with our commitment - and our ambition - to continuously improve and act more responsibly together with our partners.
Carsten Cramer, Managing Director, Borussia Dortmund
The Results
The world record generated highly positive national and international resonance across media outlets and social platforms. A straightforward PR campaign was enough to spark extensive and consistently positive coverage of the partnership between BVB and RWE, as well as the world’s most powerful stadium‑roof solar installation at SIGNAL IDUNA PARK.
Particular emphasis was placed on the project’s global visibility and its exemplary character. With this flagship initiative, BVB has positioned itself as a pioneer in climate protection.
100
documented articles with consistently positive coverage
42.2 Mio.
in total reach
1.12 Mio.
euros in media value
This is a powerful signal for effective climate action and the result of two dedicated teams whose sustainability ambitions complement each other perfectly.
Markus Krebber, CEO of RWE AG
