Philadelphia Eagles Announce Plan to Power Lincoln Financial Field with Renewable Energy

Strategic Insights -

The Philadelphia Eagles have taken a significant step towards reducing their environmental impact by announcing a plan to power Lincoln Financial Field with a combination of onsite wind, solar, and dual-fuel generated electricity. The innovative energy plan, dubbed "Go Green!", will utilize 80 wind turbines, 2,500 solar panels, and a 7.6 megawatt onsite dual-fuel cogeneration plant to generate approximately 1.039 billion kilowatt hours of electricity over a 20-year period. This move is expected to eliminate CO2 emissions equivalent to 500,000 barrels of oil or 24 million gallons of gasoline consumed annually, making it one of the most extensive renewable energy commitments by any major facility.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Philadelphia Eagles have partnered with SolarBlue to install approximately 80 wind turbines and 2,500 solar panels at Lincoln Financial Field, making it the world's first major sports stadium to convert to self-generated renewable energy.
  • The system, which will be operational by September 2011, will generate over 1.039 billion kilowatt hours of electricity over a 20-year period, sufficient to supply the stadium's power needs and enable an estimated four megawatts of excess energy to be sold back to the local electric grid.
  • The Eagles estimate that the system will save them an estimated $60 million in energy costs over the 20-year horizon, and will eliminate CO2 emissions equivalent to 500,000 barrels of oil or 24 million gallons of gasoline consumed annually.
  • The project will create hundreds of jobs for the Philadelphia area, with SolarBlue anticipating directly employing 200 local people during the design and installation phase.
  • The Philadelphia Eagles' commitment to renewable energy is part of their comprehensive environmental sustainability program, which includes energy and water conservation, waste reduction, recycling, composting, toxic chemical avoidance, and reforestation.
  • NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter have praised the Eagles' initiative, citing its potential to set an example for other organizations to reduce their environmental impact.

Statistics:

  • 80 wind turbines will be installed on the top rim of the stadium.
  • 2,500 solar panels will be affixed to the stadium's facade.
  • The system will generate over 1.039 billion kilowatt hours of electricity over a 20-year period.
  • The system is expected to eliminate CO2 emissions equivalent to 500,000 barrels of oil or 24 million gallons of gasoline consumed annually.
  • The project will create an estimated $60 million in energy savings over the 20-year horizon.
  • The system will enable an estimated four megawatts of excess energy to be sold back to the local electric grid.

Sources:

  • The Philadelphia Eagles' press release, dated November 18, 2010.
  • Interview with Lee Maher, Chairman and CEO, SolarBlue.
  • Philadelphia Eagles website.
  • SolarBlue website.
  • Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter's statement.
  • NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell's statement.