The Sevens Stadium in Dubai has claimed a first for the United Arab Emirates with the opening of a new solar car park.
The car park provides shaded car parking for over 550 vehicles, including four charging lots for electric cars. It will also generate sufficient clean energy to power all of the stadium’s operations throughout the year, except in the week of the Emirates Dubai 7s event, where supplementary power will be required.
A total of 4,500 solar panels, spanning 10,550 square metres, will be used at the new car park. The site will reduce the stadium’s carbon emissions by 1,496 metric tonnes annually.
The car park will be used to power floodlighting at The Sevens’ eight grass fields, as well as its 1,042 field lamps, 256 street lamps, 57 water and irrigation pumps, two units of 300-tonne chillers, The Grandstand building, players clubhouse and staff accommodation.
The Sevens Stadium is a purpose-built rugby sevens stadium but also hosts other sports and was used when the UAE recently staged cricket’s Indian Premier League and T20 World Cup. The venue is owned and managed by the Emirates Group.
Sheikh Ahmed bin Saaed Al Maktoun, chairman of the Emirates Group, said: “The Emirates Group already utilises solar-powered clean energy in our operations, including buildings at our Engineering Centre and Emirates Flight Catering. This new solar car park at the Sevens Stadium is our latest commitment to reducing our carbon footprint, in line with Dubai’s vision to transform into a carbon-neutral economy by 2050.
“The Sevens Stadium has established itself at the heart of community sports in Dubai, and as a best-in-class choice for international events and teams looking for world-class facilities in the region. We’ll continue to develop The Sevens to meet the needs and expectations of the sporting communities, and contribute to Dubai’s vibrant sports scene.”
The stadium’s other environmental initiatives include modern watering systems that use non-potable water, waste reduction through landfill recycling, and the use of biodiesel to power events.
Image: The Sevens Stadium
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