Solar-powered 'dragon' stadium is world's first to supply all its power needs from the sun

By Daily Mail Reporter
Last updated at 10:17 AM on 14th May 2009

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This futuristic looking stadium is the first in the world to provide all its own electricity using the power of the sun.

The horse shoe-shaped structure in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, has been built for the World Games which will take place in the city in July.

It is the first stadium to use only solar power technology for all its electricity.

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The world's first solar-powered stadium nears completion in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. It was built to host the World Games in July

The gigantic 19 hectare structure which has a seating capacity of 55,000, will be used mostly for athletics and rugby events, including hosting the main events for the 2009 World Games.

After that, the Taiwanese national football team will play home matches there.

Japanese architect Toyo Ito designed the innovative steel rod structure with a roof covered in solar panels.

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The stadium's unique steel rod structure stands out against the cloudy sky

Its unusual semi-spiral shape is intended to imitate a dragon and provide a 'cordial welcome and a cheerful greeting' to athletes and spectators with its open-ended structure.

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The 8,844 solar panels will generate more than enough electricity to power the building's 3,300 lights and two giant television screens.

The Taiwanese government plans to sell the excess capacity which will be generated during hot weather.

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An artist's impression of how the innovative stadium's interior will look once it is completed

A Taiwanese official said the panels will generate 1.14 million kWh of electricity per year, preventing 660 tons of annual carbon dioxide from being pumped into the
atmosphere from traditional power stations.

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