Taiwan’s New 2009 World Games Stadium Completely Powered By Solar Energy

It’s not the Olympics but Kaohsiung, Taiwan is currently hosting the 2009 World Games (世界運動會), an international multi-sport event meant for sports that are not contested in the Olympic Games. Running from July 16 through the 26th, the games features events such as Aikido, Parachuting, Bodybuilding, Bowling, Casting, Flying disc (Frisbee), Sport Ju-Jitsu, Karate, Netball, Orienteering, Sumo, Surfing, and Tug of war. (I know, I haven’t heard of a bunch of these sports, either).

Although the U.S. is not represented in the medal rankings, Taiwan (competing as Chinese Taipei) is currently ranked #2 behind Russia with four gold medals. (See current medal standings)

One of the most interesting parts of these games is the main venue itself: World Games Stadium, which was designed by famed Japanese architect Toyo Ito.

This recently constructed structure is a beautiful solar-powered stadium that will generate 100% of its electricity from photovoltaic technology. The dragon-shaped 50,000 seat arena sports 8,844 solar panels which could potentially generate 1.14 gigawatt hours of electricity every year; that is, enough electricity to power up to 80% of the surrounding neighborhood when the stadium is unused. (Construction information)

Aside from being solar-powered, this stadium is green because of bio-diversity, forestation, water conservation and energy saving of buildings. Other interesting facts:

1.The photoelectric cells allow 30% of total sunlight through, therefore delivering a real-time weather change to audience
2. Reduction of CO2 Production Sunlight electricity generation reduces 0.53kg CO2 per 1kwh, as compared with traditional method. In this project, the generation capacity is 1000kw and annual generation is 1.1 million kwh. Base on these figures, the total reduction of CO2 discharge is 583,000 kg (equivalent to CO2 reduction capacity of the green lands).
3. Avoid Daytime Peak Hour Consumption of Power As one kwh costs 3 Taiwan dollars, and power generation are available 3 hours everyday, 3000 kwh can be generated in a single day, and 10,000 Taiwan dollars can be saved.
4. Photoelectric Conversion for Outdoor Facilities Photoelectric conversion can be applied to road lamps, scenic spot illumination and information indication.

Not only is this stadium being lauded for being “green,” but the architectural sensibilities are being admired for its “humanity.” I believe it will be looked upon as a model for future sporting arenas to be functional, beautiful and environmentally-friendly, as well. And, it’s totally going on my “must-visit” list for a future trip to Taiwan.