Bolton Wanderers FC kicks off smart energy future
Bolton Wanderers Football Club has announced its partnership with Voltalis, the European leader in demand side response (DSR), to install and activate its smart energy technology across the Toughsheet Community Stadium in Greater Manchester. This collaboration marks the club’s first use of demand side response solutions and aims to manage energy demand more efficiently, cut operational costs and support the Club’s and the UK’s net zero goals.
Football stadiums are significant energy users, with industry estimates projecting consumption volumes of a staggering 15,000 to 30,000 kWh during match days (enough to power a small business for an entire year), depending on stadium size. Such considerable energy usage underscores the crucial need for energy flexibility to enable energy and carbon savings.
Through intelligent and automated control of energy usage during peak demand periods such as match days, the Voltalis solution helps reduce strain on the national grid and enables, on average, up to 15% savings on energy, which can positively impact heating and cooling bills.
The installation is cost-free for the Club and fully funded by Voltalis, making it an accessible and impactful solution for large, multi-site commercial estates and sports venues.
The agreement, formalised in July 2025 ahead of the 2025/26 season kick-off, establishes Toughsheet Community Stadium as one of the first football grounds in the UK to implement demand side response technology.
Installation is scheduled to begin in Q3 2025 and will connect Voltalis’ technology to the stadium’s existing electric heating and cooling systems. The system enables real-time adjustments to energy consumption in response to grid needs, without compromising the comfort of Club staff, members, fans and partners, or the operation of the venue.
Dr Randall Bowen, Managing Director of Voltalis UK, said: “This partnership with Bolton Wanderers FC is a clear demonstration of how smart energy technology can benefit major venues and support the wider electricity grid without the need for any upfront investment. As large energy users with variable demands, sports venues like stadiums have traditionally been a challenge when it comes to sustainable energy management.
“We are seeing a significant shift across the sporting industry as more clubs begin to take serious action on sustainability. Through the implementation of demand response solutions, Bolton Wanderers FC are not only improving its energy efficiency but also sending a strong signal to its stakeholders and fans about the club’s commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility.”
“As a club with deep roots in our community, we recognise the responsibility we have to take meaningful action on environmental sustainability. This partnership with Voltalis represents a major step forward in that journey,” David Ray, CEO of Bolton Wanderers Football Club.
“By becoming one of the first football clubs in the UK to adopt this smart energy technology, we are taking real steps to reduce our environmental impact. It’s about doing the right thing for our fans, our town and future generations by embracing innovative solutions that support a cleaner, greener future for Bolton Wanderers FC.”
The move reflects increasing pressure on sports, leisure, and commercial real estate sectors to adopt more sustainable practices. By partnering to make Toughsheet Community Stadium’s “active” in supporting grid flexibility, Voltalis and Bolton Wanderers are setting a new standard for environmentally conscious operations in UK football and offering a model that other large, energy-intensive venues can follow.
This initiative also highlights the growing role of energy flexibility technologies in helping the UK meet its decarbonisation targets while maintaining a secure and resilient electricity supply.
