At GSK’s factory in Spain, Arup supported a significant step towards reducing energy consumption and advancing decarbonisation goals.

Arup’s team of engineers and consultants worked closely with GSK to refine their global decarbonisation roadmap and align it with their CO2 reduction targets. A key part of this effort was the design and construction of a 3.3MWp on-site solar photovoltaic (PV) plant, including east-west solar tracking system and an overhead canopy. This solution enables the factory to transition to 100% renewable electricity, eliminating dependence on grid power.

With this shift, GSK’s factory in Spain is expected to reduce CO2 emissions by 1,500 tons annually – an important milestone in GSK’s sustainability journey and a practical example of how energy-intensive industries can address decarbonisation challenges.

Choosing the right size for a PV plant

Arup’s energy consultants and electrical engineers analysed the factory’s load profile – a dataset that shows how energy consumption or demand varies over time, to determine the optimal PV plant size, minimise energy waste, and define its electrical infrastructure. The result is a 3.3 MWp plant designed to reduce energy consumption by 30%, while preventing the release of 1,500 tons of CO2 annually.

We’ve leveraged advanced simulation tools like Homer to assess installation scenarios, factoring in plant orientation, weather patterns, operating hours, and PV model types. For each scenario, we estimated potential revenue streams by looking at maximised consumption, selling excess energy, and battery storage – to ensure ROI. To help GSK minimise energy waste, we’ve identified strategies for responsible consumption by analysing surplus energy generation.

Ensuring precise plant design and grid integration

Arup’s team of engineers and consultants helped GSK translate plant design requirements into an actionable construction project, developing the core design principles and carrying out a robust PV generation analysis. In our role as technical advisor to GSK, we’ve also reviewed the schematics, layouts, and detailed drawings to ensure clarity and precision, and regulatory compliance.

Arup’s engineers examined GSK’s electrical infrastructure and assessed the local operator’s connection requirements – not always a given – to confirm grid availability, design the plant’s connection to the larger electrical network, and secure its long-term efficiency and viability.

Arup supported GSK throughout construction and commissioning by reviewing contractors’ designs, and ensuring compliance with site conditions, local regulations, and market standards. 

Aerial view of GSK photovoltaic plant in Spain
Explore the photovoltaic plant at GSK's factory in northern Spain