No one has ever attempted to power an entire stadium with solar energy before, but Japan-based Toyo Ito Architects are using solar energy beyond all conventions to power the main stadium built for the World Games to be held in July this year.

The $150 million stadium can house 55,000 spectators and can power 80% of the surrounding neighborhood if it’s solar array is connected to the grid during days when the stadium is not being used.

Every inch of the stadium’s incredible 14,155-sq-m roof area is covered with 8,844 solar panels that could potentially generate a whopping 1.14GWh of electricity annually. The record breaking stadium is reported to be the world’s largest solar-powered stadium.

When Kaohsiung was granted the right to host The World Games 2009 by the International World Games Association, the organizing committee immediately launched the venue renovation and construction project in order to meet International Federation standards. The most important project was undoubtedly the Main Stadium.

Construction of the Main Stadium designed by Toyo Ito required only two years of work, and was finally tested for lighting facilities on January 15, 2009. It took only six minutes to power up the lighting in the stadium, which illuminates the track and field with 3,300 lux. Two jumbotrons screens on each side of the stadium, along with a surround sounding system, make this an international standard soccer field and facility.

The City of Kaohsiung is particularly proud of this project. During the construction period, no site accidents occurred, while the construction crew successfully overcame the technical difficulties presented by installing spiral steel girders and 8,844 solar panels on the roof.

Moreover, this stadium is notable for its eco-friendliness: the solar panels on the stadium roof generate 1.14 million kWh of electricity per year, thus reducing 660 tons of annual carbon dioxide output. In addition, all the raw materials used in the main stadium are 100% reusable and made in Taiwan.

The World Games Stadium is not only a breakthrough of construction techniques, but also different from the traditionally enclosed stadiums; the open design of the stadium was designed to signal a cordial welcome. The planning of the stadium is oriented at north-south direction, with a slight northwest-southeast 15-degree angle; the spiral conforms to the open “C” shape of the stadium.

This design shields the main spectator stand and the field from southwestern summer winds and the northwestern winter winds. This  orientation also provides shelter from sunlight, providing a more comfortable sporting environment.

The building occupies 19 hectares. Beside the main stadium, the surrounding public area, the planning of the aspects, ecology and sports parks, the integration of the bicycle paths, ecological pond and lush vegetation traverses a green zone that provides visitors access to the natural environment.

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