The platform will see the installation of the world’s first renewable energy powered digital perimeter system as well as a new stadium scoreboard.

Instead of drawing power from the National Grid, the digital signage will be powered from Powervault battery storage, which will be charged using Forest Green’s own solar and wind turbines, ensuring carbon-free operation of the equipment.

It also marks the first installation of a digital platform in Sky Bet League Two, thanks to a host of features of ADI’s new MTD digiBOARD range that aim to make the technology more accessible to clubs outside of the top tiers

Dale Vince, Chairman of Forest Green Rovers, said: “We’re pleased to welcome our newest partner for the club.

“ADI have provided our new pitch side and scoreboard LED screens –  they’re going to be a key part of the new matchday experience as the season gets underway in just a month’s time.

“Alongside the traditional sponsor messaging we’ll be adding something new, unique content from our creative director 3D – which will mix climate change messaging with real-time data.”

Geraint Williams, ADI, said: “We’re excited to be partnering with Forest Green Rovers on this ground-breaking deal which really demonstrates two key points: firstly that large scale digital platforms such as this needn’t come with an associated large carbon footprint.  And secondly, that this type of technology isn’t just for the teams in the Premier League and Championship.

“Because we design and manufacture all of our technology ourselves, we have far greater levels of control over our products. The consideration we’ve put into designing the latest evolution of digiBOARD has focused not just on bringing down the upfront cost and operating efficiencies, but in maximising value and minimising environmental impact throughout the lifetime of the technology.

“The sustainability ethos at Forest Green Rovers is something that really attracted us to this deal and we’re aiming to work with them and their partners to understand and implement further measures in which we can make our own business more sustainable.”

Joe Warren, CEO of Powervault, “We are delighted and honoured to be partnering with Forest Green Rovers and ADI on this project to show how sporting venues, as well as the rest of us, can reduce our carbon footprint by installing the right technologies.

“We are not in control of when the sun shines or the wind blows, so smart energy storage systems like Powervault are an important part of the mix in making sure that we make the best possible use of 100% renewable energy by storing it and making it available when we actually need it.

“It is particularly impressive that the ADI LED system’s energy needs on a match day are low enough that they can be provided from domestic-scale energy storage systems.”

FGR will be one of the first clubs to take delivery of ADI’s MTD range of digiBOARD.  Brand new for 2021, it has been completely redesigned from component level up with a host of new features designed specifically to improve efficiency, increase resilience and make ongoing maintenance quicker, easier and more cost effective.

How the ADI LED’s will be powered

Three Powervaults are being installed under the Candriam East Stand. Before a match the Powervaults will be fully charged with renewable electricity from Forest Green’s solar and wind turbines and for the three hours of the match day experience when the ADI equipment is working, the Powervaults will discharge that stored energy to provide the electricity needed by the ADI LED panels.