Low emission temporary power solutions

Events such as the FIFA World Cup™ require significant temporary facilities including tents for hospitality, media centres, offices, security facilities, back of house technical areas, and more. All of these temporary facilities require electricity for their operation, and are generally not well connected to electricity grid, with diesel generators being the most common power source for such requirements. The use of diesel generators can result in high levels of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions over a relatively short time and often emit air pollutants (e.g. nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, particulate matter and sulphur) that contribute to a deterioration in air quality, as well as noise pollution.

To meet the objectives of the FIFA World Cup 2022™ Sustainability Strategy to reduce carbon emissions and avoid noise and air quality impacts without sacrificing reliability, various alternatives were explored in the lead-up to the tournament. As a result, and in collaboration with the Qatar General Electricity & Water Corporation (KAHRAMAA), the majority of the temporary power required for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ was supplied by the national electricity grid which is largely generated by natural gas which has lower carbon intensity than diesel.

This solution was possible thanks to the high reliability of Qatar’s electricity grid and the construction of 49 packaged substations with associated cabling. The installation of these substations enabled tournament organisers to supply 82% of the required temporary power from the grid rather than from diesel generators, resulting in the prevention of 49% of the GHG emissions (9,300 tonnes CO2 equivalent) that would otherwise have been emitted*.

* This calculation is for the period between 01 November 2022 and 19 December 2022.

Temporary lighting for signage, pedestrian areas, car parking and perimeter fencing is another source of temporary power demand which is often supplied through small diesel generators. During the FIFA World Cup 2022™, much of this was supplied using ultra-efficient LED lighting coupled with solar panels and batteries. This included:

• 478 temporary solar tower lights

• Security perimeter fencing with solar powered lighting which included over 14,000 lights

• 952 illuminated temporary solar-powered signs in the surroundings of the stadiums (e.g., car parks outside the outer perimeter)

• 954 illuminated temporary solar-powered signs in the outer perimeter (i.e., immediately around the stadium building)

• 24 Mobility Assistance Stations around stadium buildings were also illuminated with solar powered lights