Fans attending FIFA World Cup matches at Al Thumama Stadium are able to charge their devices at a state-of-the-art solar-powered charging station installed by Challenge 22 winners SunPave.
The innovative solution was recently installed in the stadium precinct after SunPave won the Challenge 22 innovation award – a programme delivered by the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) with the goal of supporting businesses and entrepreneurs who could boost the fan experience during Qatar 2022.
A special feature of the SunPave PV tiles is the fact they can be walked on by pedestrians without affecting their ability to generate clean energy. The tiles are anti-scratch, anti-slip and anti-glare. They are capable of orientating towards the sun and have high mechanical strength. During the tournament, the tiles are expected to generate a peak of 8 KW of clean electricity.
SunPave Co-Founder, Eng. Mohammed Al Gammal, said: “We are delighted to have installed the panels in the stadium precinct and are proud to see fans using them during the World Cup.
“We believe our product has many advantages. By creating solar panels people can walk on, we can utilise vast spaces around the country to generate electric power.”
The SunPave panels are also modular – meaning they can fit into any space. They are able to withstand the same weight as a regular paving stone and are designed to cool down during the summer months in order to help them operate, while being compliant with electrical, mechanical and civil safety standards.
“The story of a modern city is often a competition between energy and space,” said Al Gammal. “We need energy to power our lives and, as cities grow, we have less space. The problem with conventional solar panels is that the space they occupy becomes virtually unusable. With SunPave, we can utilise the strength of the sun without sacrificing space.”
SunPave tiles can also be used on walls and rooftops, and have in-built thermal management systems for hot climates.
Khalifa Al Mana, Al Thumama Stadium Manager, said: “The installation of SunPave tiles in our precinct reflects our commitment to sustainability and the environment. We are proud to feature Challenge 22 winners at our stadium and help bring their concept to life.”
