Paris Olympics: How Green Energy Is Changing Global Sports

Achieving Green Games With Solar Energy Solutions, How Paris Delivers On Promise Of Green Games

International sports events have now gained attention globally due to their increased adoption of green energy. This year, renewable energy is set to take center stage at the upcoming Paris Olympics in France. The host country has shown its commitment to delivering on its promise of making the most sustainable Olympics games yet.

Paris is hosting the Olympic games for the first time in nearly a century. It hosted the games last time in the country in 1924. In the 2024 Olympics, France plans to fulfill the promises made in the Paris Climate Agreement in 2020. IOC, the organizer of the Paris Olympics, aims to reduce carbon emissions by 50% compared to the average of the London 2012 and Rio 2016 games. This includes addressing the broadest category of emissions, covering the indirect footprint of the Games (scope 3 emissions). It does so by using the existing or temporary infrastructure or developing new facilities with long-term use in mind. From this perspective, Paris in 2024 plans to deliver the first Olympic Games aligned with the Paris Agreement on Climate Change (adopted in 2015).

In recent years, sports events have become a popular platform for countries to introduce innovative solutions through various temporary and permanent projects. One of the key renewable energy projects offered by the host of the 2024 Olympics includes a photovoltaic carport covering 1,000m². These installations are being set up at the bus station and supply the international delegation’s reception and information center with self-generated electricity. The country also plans to develop a 400m² floating mobile solar farm on the Seine, capable of producing the equivalent of the consumption of around 30 two-bedroom apartments in the village. These temporary installations aim to inspire change and will be reused.

Solar Installation in Paris Games

The unique approach for the upcoming Games is evident from prioritizing the use of renewable electricity and connecting the venues to the public network. The decision aims to reduce reliance on diesel generators and temporary energy solutions. Instead, a portion of the energy demand will be met through generators powered by batteries and biofuel.

Paris acting in line with the sustainability initiative, has developed a solar-powered sports center to provide energy-efficient power to the Olympic Aquatics Centre. This center has been designed to maximize solar power utilization by incorporating bio-based building materials and covering its roof with photovoltaic panels. This innovative structure is considered one of France’s largest urban solar farms, capable of meeting the center’s energy requirements.

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On top of that, Paris has made significant investments in infrastructure to ensure the venues are supplied with clean energy. The stadium for the upcoming Paris Olympics has been electrified with a distribution network powered entirely by renewable electricity. This commitment to green energy has earned the International Olympic Committee’s recognition as an observer organization, with a pledge to reduce emissions by 30% by 2024 and 50% by 2030.

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The IOC has partnered with wind and solar farms to source energy for the Games, with companies like EDF planning to supply an equivalent amount of electricity to the network as consumed by the venues. This groundbreaking approach marks a significant milestone in the history of the Games, demonstrating a strong commitment to sustainability within the sporting community.

Sports Events Have Become Centre Stage To Deliver On Promise Of Sustainable Games

UEFA EURO 2024

This year Euro Cup is being organized by Germany, and the host country is preparing to power half of the stadium with solar energy. The Stuttgart arena a stadium in Germany which has a maximum capacity of 51,000 people, hosts five Euro 2024 games including one of the quarter-finals. This stadium has a newly installed 300 kWp solar energy system on its roof.
UEFA received funding for has developed a distributed an additional €1.9m to the climate fund of 81 amateur clubs in Germany. The project is expected to apply to clubs which can then put forward projects relating to one or more of the following categories: energy, water, waste management, and mobility.
The UEFA’s new strategy focuses on targeted investments and measures to contribute to the delivery of a successful tournament. It’s a key part of UEFA’s vision to make EURO 2024 the reference for event sustainability in the world of sports and a driving force for sustainable development for German and European societies.

Paris Struggles To Place Lid On Emission From Heating And Cooling

Paris recently came under pressure as the organizers decided to avoid using ACs at the upcoming games. This incident has brought to light the importance of managing effective heating and cooling systems at large-scale events. 

Initially, organizers decided to have an AC-free Olympic village, by relying on renewable energy sources like geothermal energy to supply cooling to buildings. They initially announced that rooms in the Games Village would not have air conditioning to be more environmentally friendly. However, these plans were recalled after much angst and protest by participant countries in the Olympics. Later, the organizers allowed the team to order portable for temporary use at their own expense. These ACs can be installed from July 26th – August 11th. Teams from countries like Britain, Germany, Italy, Japan, Canada, Ireland, Greece, and Australia, decided to bring their own portable air-conditioning units for the comfort of their athletes. Thus, this instance highlights the importance of developing a sustainable Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system while organizing mass-scale events such as the Paris Olympics.