Friday, 15 May, 2009 Environment

Taking advantage of the solar-energy, a new futuristic-looking stadium in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, can generate its own electricity.

It is worth mentioning that the stadium has been constructed for the World Games, which are going to take place this July.

This is world's first stadium to use exclusively solar power technology to produce all of its electricity, having 8,844 solar panels installed on its roof.

The solar panels will be able to produce the amount of electricity that could power 3,300 lights along with two giant monitors on the stadium.

Having the shape of a horse shoe, the huge structure can boast a seating capacity of 55,000. Its developers say that the stadium will be used for athletics and rugby events.

After the 2009 World Games, the Taiwanese national football team is going to play its home matches there, reports Daily Mail.

The design of the gigantic construction is attributed to Japanese architect Toyo Ito.

The somewhat unusual semi-spiral shape was designed with the goal of imitating a dragon and offering a "cordial welcome and a cheerful greeting" to all athletes and viewers with its open-ended structure.

According to a Taiwanese official, the solar panels will be able to produce up to 1.14 million kWh of electricity per year, which means a reduction on annual carbon dioxide emissions by 660 tons.