The Philadelphia Eagles announced a plan in November 2010 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.
In order to make the vision a reality, Eagles contracted with Florida-based SolarBlue, a renewable energy conservation company, to install approximately 80, 20ft 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.
The most visible feature of the renovated stadium will be the wind turbines, which are distinct for the sleek helix design, rather than the typical propeller model. The particular design is expected to reduce noise, protect birds and will not turn them as eyesores.
SolarBlue will invest in excess of $30 million to build out the system, with a completion goal of September 2011. SolarBlue will maintain and operate the stadium’s power system for the next 20 years at a fixed annual price increase in electricity, saving the Eagles an estimated $60 million in energy costs. Nearly all the elements involved in the stadium can be recycled, from tarps to cooking oil. Products such as, beer cups made of corn-based plastic are composted.
