Maracana to become solar power plant

Besides being a milestone in the history of football, the Maracana is about to become a reference in the production of clean energy. The works to be made in the stadium to host the World Cup 2014 include placing photovoltaic panels on any surface that covers the bleachers.

The project will be financed by two energy companies, the Light, which coordinates the production and distribution in Rio de Janeiro, and EDF (Electricite de France). Together they will install a plaque on the surface of 2.5 square meters, which will be capable of generating 670,000 kW / h per year.

Production would be enough to supply 25% of the energy needed to operate the Maracana. However, this is not what will happen at least during the first five years of operation of this "solar power plant." The investment is the result of a partnership between the two companies and the State Government, therefore, they have the right to sell the energy produced in the first year to offset the $ 6 million spent on technology deployment.

It is estimated that the electricity produced in the Maracana to meet the demand of 240 homes. But the company also has the appeal generated by the whole tradition of the Maracana, clean energy to market with higher values.

After five years, the electricity from the Maracana is owned by the government, but still can not be used directly in the stadium. "The greater use of the stadium is at night, on game days, and not at the time that the system will produce more energy during the day. Therefore, it will generate energy and inject it into the network and at night he gets back, "said Evandro Vasconcelos, director of energy of Light.

The utility projects do not end at the Maracana. Light still intends to spend $ 15 million to deploy photovoltaic cells in other sports centers of Rio de Janeiro, as the Julio de Lamare Aquatic Park, Maracanãzinho Athletics Stadium and Celio de Barros.