2008 Beijing Olympic Games Powered by the Sun
Watching the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympic games was interesting because of the cool use of LED (light-emitting diode) to create a light presentation like never seen before. LED lighting technology is brighter than traditional lights although they are much brighter then traditional lights, coupled with their long life time LED bulbs are very cost effective over the long run. It seems like more organizations and people in general are starting to adapt LED lighting because of their long term benefits.
China is not stopping with just LED lights to be more energy cautious, 90% of the Olympic village’s hot water will be heated through solar thermal collectors. Over 80% of the street lights around the Olympic venues will be lit by LED lights and powered by solar panels!
Suntech, a major Chinese solar panel manufacturer was selected to provide a 130kW (kilowatt) solar panel system to the bird nest Olympic stadium. The solar power system was installed in 12 entrances of the unique looking stadium.
“The Bird’s Nest Stadium solar energy project demonstrates China’s commitment to clean, renewable energy and a green Olympics,” said Dr. Zhengrong Shi, Suntech’s chairman and CEO. “We are delighted that Suntech’s leading PV system has been chosen to help power the main stadium for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.”
Suntech is dedicated to becoming the ‘lowest cost per watt’ of solar electric panels provider to residental and commerical customers worldwide. It is interesting how renewable energy and energy efficency has become such a staple of the Olympic games this year, this just proves that there is really a worldwide movement and trend moving towards green energy.
