Temple University Athletics
Rendition of Lincoln Financial Field with wind turbines and solar panels (courtesy of the Philadelphia Eagles)
Lincoln Financial Field to be Powered with Self-Generated, Renewable Energy
11.18.10 | Football
$25 million Investment in Wind Turbines, Solar Panels and Biofuel
Philadelphia, PA -- The Philadelphia Eagles today announced a plan to power Lincoln Financial Field with a combination of onsite wind, solar and dual-fuel generated electricity, making it the world's first major sports stadium to convert to self-generated renewable energy.
The Eagles have contracted with Orlando FL-based Solar Blue, a renewable energy and energy conservation company, to install 100 20-foot spiral-shaped wind turbines on the top rim of the stadium, affix 2,500 solar panels on the stadium's façade, build a 7.6 megawatt onsite dual-fuel cogeneration plant and implement sophisticated monitoring and switching technology to operate the system.
Over the next year, Solar Blue will invest approximate $25 million to build out the system, which will be ready for use by the Eagles' pre-season games starting in September 2011. Solar Blue will maintain and operate the stadium's power system for the next 20 years at a fixed three percent annual increase in electricity, saving the Eagles an estimated $60 million in energy costs. No state or federal grants or incentives are included in this calculation.
The Eagles and Solar Blue estimate that over the 20-year horizon, the on-site energy sources at Lincoln Financial Field will provide 1.039 billion kilowatt hours of electricity – more than enough to supply the stadium's power needs – enabling an estimated four megawatts of excess energy off-peak to be sold back to the local electric grid.
“The Philadelphia Eagles are proud to take this vital step towards energy independence from fossil fuels by powering Lincoln Financial Field with wind, solar and dual-fuel energy sources,” said team owner and chief executive officer, Jeffrey Lurie. “This commitment builds upon our comprehensive environmental sustainability program, which includes energy and water conservation, waste reduction, recycling, composting, toxic chemical avoidance and reforestation. It underscores our strong belief that environmentally sensitive policies are consistent with sound business practices.”
Added Eagles owner Christina Lurie, “We believe the iconic stature and universal appeal of professional sports can become a powerful, visible, motivating example of how renewable energy sources can replace fossil fuels and create a cleaner, sustainable environment for people everywhere.”
In announcing the stadium's greening, the Luries invited prominent authorities to join them as members of the Go Green Team, a group of leaders who believe the sports industry, because of its exceptional cultural significance, can influence global businesses to embrace renewable energy. Against a backdrop of trees symbolizing the Eagles commitment to reforestation, Goodell joined the Luries in signing the Go Green Team's Declaration of Energy Independence, which “seeks to create a better living environment by reducing the world's dependence on fossil fuels.”
The greening of Lincoln Financial Field is a significant step by a major sports franchise to achieve that goal. The energy to be generated by on-site renewable sources is comparable to the annual electricity usage of 26,000 homes. Engineers at Solar Blue estimate that converting the stadium to renewable energy will eliminate CO2 emissions equivalent to 500,000 barrels of oil or 24 million gallons of gasoline consumed annually. That equates to removing the carbon emissions of 41,000 cars each year.
“The Eagles plan for Lincoln Financial Field represents one of the most extensive renewable energy commitments by any major facility,” said Lee Maher, Chairman and CEO, Solar Blue. “The energy plan will utilize the most technologically advanced wind turbines and solar panels. With this installation, we anticipate that many businesses will see the benefits of renewable energy and be inspired to emulate the Eagles' bold leadership.”
Beyond the substantial environmental advantages, the Eagles' renewable energy plan will create hundreds of jobs for the Philadelphia area. Solar Blue anticipates directly employing 200 local people during the year-long design and installation phase. One-quarter of these jobs will be permanently maintained over the 20-year operational horizon. In addition, the project will generate approximately 600 indirect jobs in the surrounding region as a result of Solar Blue's commitment to utilize local contractors, vendors and suppliers, as available.
For more information, visit the Philadelphia Eagles.
The Eagles have contracted with Orlando FL-based Solar Blue, a renewable energy and energy conservation company, to install 100 20-foot spiral-shaped wind turbines on the top rim of the stadium, affix 2,500 solar panels on the stadium's façade, build a 7.6 megawatt onsite dual-fuel cogeneration plant and implement sophisticated monitoring and switching technology to operate the system.
Over the next year, Solar Blue will invest approximate $25 million to build out the system, which will be ready for use by the Eagles' pre-season games starting in September 2011. Solar Blue will maintain and operate the stadium's power system for the next 20 years at a fixed three percent annual increase in electricity, saving the Eagles an estimated $60 million in energy costs. No state or federal grants or incentives are included in this calculation.
The Eagles and Solar Blue estimate that over the 20-year horizon, the on-site energy sources at Lincoln Financial Field will provide 1.039 billion kilowatt hours of electricity – more than enough to supply the stadium's power needs – enabling an estimated four megawatts of excess energy off-peak to be sold back to the local electric grid.
“The Philadelphia Eagles are proud to take this vital step towards energy independence from fossil fuels by powering Lincoln Financial Field with wind, solar and dual-fuel energy sources,” said team owner and chief executive officer, Jeffrey Lurie. “This commitment builds upon our comprehensive environmental sustainability program, which includes energy and water conservation, waste reduction, recycling, composting, toxic chemical avoidance and reforestation. It underscores our strong belief that environmentally sensitive policies are consistent with sound business practices.”
Added Eagles owner Christina Lurie, “We believe the iconic stature and universal appeal of professional sports can become a powerful, visible, motivating example of how renewable energy sources can replace fossil fuels and create a cleaner, sustainable environment for people everywhere.”
In announcing the stadium's greening, the Luries invited prominent authorities to join them as members of the Go Green Team, a group of leaders who believe the sports industry, because of its exceptional cultural significance, can influence global businesses to embrace renewable energy. Against a backdrop of trees symbolizing the Eagles commitment to reforestation, Goodell joined the Luries in signing the Go Green Team's Declaration of Energy Independence, which “seeks to create a better living environment by reducing the world's dependence on fossil fuels.”
The greening of Lincoln Financial Field is a significant step by a major sports franchise to achieve that goal. The energy to be generated by on-site renewable sources is comparable to the annual electricity usage of 26,000 homes. Engineers at Solar Blue estimate that converting the stadium to renewable energy will eliminate CO2 emissions equivalent to 500,000 barrels of oil or 24 million gallons of gasoline consumed annually. That equates to removing the carbon emissions of 41,000 cars each year.
“The Eagles plan for Lincoln Financial Field represents one of the most extensive renewable energy commitments by any major facility,” said Lee Maher, Chairman and CEO, Solar Blue. “The energy plan will utilize the most technologically advanced wind turbines and solar panels. With this installation, we anticipate that many businesses will see the benefits of renewable energy and be inspired to emulate the Eagles' bold leadership.”
Beyond the substantial environmental advantages, the Eagles' renewable energy plan will create hundreds of jobs for the Philadelphia area. Solar Blue anticipates directly employing 200 local people during the year-long design and installation phase. One-quarter of these jobs will be permanently maintained over the 20-year operational horizon. In addition, the project will generate approximately 600 indirect jobs in the surrounding region as a result of Solar Blue's commitment to utilize local contractors, vendors and suppliers, as available.
For more information, visit the Philadelphia Eagles.
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