It could be the first major stadium in the world to run completely on self-generated energy. That’s according to the Philadelphia Eagles NFL franchise. The Eagles’ Lincoln Financial Field will soon be outfitted with wind turbines, solar panels and a cogeneration plant powered by biodiesel and natural gas. The upgrades will make the stadium self-sufficient and save millions in energy costs. The Philadelphia Enquirer reports by opening day next September the upper rim of the field will be studded with 100 wind turbines. 2,500 solar panels are also planned for portions of the roof and facade. Those two upgrades will generate 30 percent of the total energy production for the stadium. A cogeneration plant built in a section of the parking lot will generate the remainder. It’s estimated the stadium will generate more than 1 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity every year. That’s enough to power about 260,000 homes. The Eagles partnered with renewable energy company Solar Blue to install and operate the system. SolarBlue invested about 30 million dollars in the upgrades and the Eagles have a 20 year contract to pay them for the electricity generated. After that, the franchise is free to use the energy it needs and sell any surplus to back to the electric grid.
http://doyourpart.com/eco-news/nfl-team-goes-green/
Video about Philadelphia Eagles going green
I just did my last two posts on wind and solar power and I have to say, I think it is a good idea what they are doing with these stadiums. Although it isn't cheap to install these things, compared to oil, it is very cheap to maintain and works just as well. this post is interesting, nicely done.
ReplyDeleteAs new stadiums are being built around the world, are most companies considering renewable energies? I hope that the Philadelphia Eagles are not unique in the endeavor Are the stadiums for the 2012 London Olympics being built with any environmental initiatives?
ReplyDeleteRain water is going to be used to help with cooling the stadiums in addition to helping with plumbing. Solar panels are being built into the stadiums
ReplyDeletegreen spaces and gardens are being planted to promote nature. Wildlife that had been taken out of its habitat for the building process are being kept in preservation in order to be re-released after the games have finished.
The post above is to answer maya question
ReplyDeleteThis is cool how they will produce their own energy and possibly extra to sell back to grid. They could make a extra profit off the stadium and be a role a model for future stadiums at the same time. Are there any down sides to having a stadium like this?
ReplyDeleteNot that I could find
ReplyDeleteThat's fantastic that they are implementing such advances into the stadium.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Jake, hopefully more stadiums will end up doing this so that they can help out there community by giving the money that they save over time to support the cities positive functions.
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