First game in a solar powered stadium at World Cup
World Cup fever is increasing as the kick off for the opening of the FIFA event in Brazil, which is set to be the greenest world event ever. Martifer Solar is helping power the 2014 FIFA World Cup with its 1.4MW installation on the rooftop of the Mineirão stadium in Belo Horizonte, the capital city of the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais. The company completed the PV plant as part of the Minas Solar 2014 program for Companhia Energética de Minas Gerais (CEMIG) and their partners, German bank kfW and Minas Arena.
The Mineirão stadium will make history on 14th June during the match between Colombia and Greece, as it will kick off the first ever World Cup game to be played in a solar-powered stadium. In total, the stadium at Belo Horizonte will host six games of the 2014 FIFA World Cup, including a semi-final match on 8th July. According to a recent statement from CEMIG, the 1.4MW PV installation at Mineirão stadium is the first investment of its type, as well as being the first large-scale solar power facility in operation within the country of Brazil.
Henrique Rodrigues, CEO of Martifer Solar, said, "We are pleased to take part in this historic milestone for FIFA and the country of Brazil. Martifer Solar continues to enforce its global leadership position in the PV industry as it takes one step forward to showcase solar energy at the world's largest sporting event, the FIFA World Cup."
Marco Aurelio Dumont Porto, CEMIG's Manager of Alternative Energy, said, "The solar installation at the Mineirão stadium represents a milestone in the history of the company and reaffirms its innovative character. Approximately R$ 15 million were invested in the implementation of the first solar plant of the state and in the improvement of the distribution network in the surrounding region."
The 1.4MW PV installation at the Mineirão stadium was built on an area of approximately 10,000 m2, which covers more than 85% of the stadium's rooftop. There are 5,910 modules installed in a fixed position, which totals an estimated production capacity of more than 1.6 GWh on an annual basis. With this capacity, the PV plant will offset 139.7 tons of carbon dioxide each year, which is sufficient energy to power more than 2,700 inhabitants in Brazil on an annual basis.
Mr. Porto continued, "We are proud to know the tremendous legacy that will be left due to the implementation of this power plant, not only for the employees of our company that benefitted from learning so much, but also for the people to see up close this new source of power. We take the opportunity to thank Martifer Solar for its support and professionalism of its employees who have spared no efforts in making this achievement possible."
"As solar energy becomes increasingly competitive with other sources of renewable energy, there is growing support for the sector at the regional level among Brazilian states such as Minas Gerais and Pernambuco. Martifer Solar has already proven itself as one of the key EPC companies in Brazil, based on our achievements and we look forward to continue contributing to the emerging PV market in the country," said Paulo Figueiredo, Head of Business Development for Martifer Solar Brazil.
Martifer Solar has been operating in Brazil since 2012, and is currently one of the largest PV players in the market. With its emblematic PV contribution to the LEED-certified factory of General Motors in southern Brazil, the company has a strong track record for its work within the country.
