New Feijenoord Stadium can become first energy neutral stadium

 In 2017, Europe’s most environment friendly stadium can appear on the shores of the New Meuse river. Compared with most modern existing stadiums, a CO2 emissions reduction of almost 60% can be achieved. If wind energy can be produced in the surrounding grounds, the stadium can even become energy neutral. This is illustrated by research conducted by Eneco for the management of Stadion Feijenoord NV.

The research included a study of the multifunctional stadium of Bayern Munich, the Allianz Arena. The different applications in that stadium in the areas of lighting, field constructions, restaurants and fan zones were compared with the possibilities at the new stadium. Energy friendly lighting techniques highly contribute to the reduction of CO2 emissions, just like the use of industrial residual heat. It appears that the water of the Meuse river that flows along the new Rotterdam stadium and the surrounding grounds can form an important contribution to the cooling facilities. It is expected that, in about five years’ time, the possibilities for applying solar panels will have evolved in such a way that they can be used on a large scale on and near the stadium. The possibilities for biomass and wind energy have also been investigated. By applying these sources of energy or by purchasing green electricity to meet the remaining energy demand, the stadium can even become energy neutral. In view of the impact on the surrounding area, the use of electricity generated from biomass seems unlikely, but the use of wind energy appears to offer good prospects.

According to Eneco, the new stadium can definitely meet the climate objectives of the municipality of Rotterdam. Good cooperation between the municipality of Rotterdam, Stadion Feijenoord NV, Eneco and other parties involved will enable the construction of the very first energy neutral stadium.The objective of the municipality of Rotterdam (a 50% reduction of CO2 emissions compared with the most modern stadiums) appears to be economically feasible. But it is even economically justified to construct an energy neutral stadium by using wind energy.

“Our research was deliberately not limited to the Netherlands. We have visited several stadiums in Europe to include as much experience as possible. This not only applies to the technology to be used, but also to the way in which all the parties involved cooperate”, says Rens Knegt, director Eneco Shared Energy Solutions.Stadium director Jan van Merwijk: “Our new stadium should become one of the state-of –the-art stadiums in Europe. Not only will it have an important position with respect to capacity and prestige, but by utilising the possibilities for increased sustainability we also demonstrate our social commitment in cooperation with the surrounding area”.