Brazil Prepares for 2014 FIFA World Cup by Turning Stadiums Solar

Brazil will host both the 2014 FIFA World Cup, and the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup, and hopes to use the international events to not only show off Brazil as an emerging global power, but also increase awareness of solar power’s potential to be a useful, sustainable energy source.

Just recently the first of many stadiums set to receive solar installations to provide power, held a ceremony to mark the completion of its new rooftop solar array. The Estádio Governador Magalhães Pinto (also known as the Mineirão) in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, had an inauguration for its rooftop solar plant, which has been funded by the German bank KfW, and CEMIG.

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The stadium, home to two-time Brazilian champions Cruzeiro, will test its new solar power source as it prepares to host three games in this year’s Confederations Cup; Tahiti .v. Nigeria on 27th June, Japan .v. Mexico on 22nd June, and then the first semi-final on 26th June.

It is not the only Brazilian stadium to receive solar instalations. In 2012, Yingli Solar Light ESCO began work, in conjunction with the state of Rio de Janeiro, on installing 1,500 solar panels across the roof of the legendary Maracana stadium. The Pernambuco stadium in Recife, will also use solar panels to power heating in the kitchens, toilets, and changing rooms; and Brasilla’s Mané Garrincha stadium will generate half of its power needs from its 2.5 MW rooftop solar array.

By. James Burgess of Oilprice.com