WORLD'S FIRST SOLAR POWERED STADIUM IN TAIWAN

Solar-powered 'dragon' stadium is world's first to supply all its power needs from the sun

Taiwan recently finished construction on a solar-powered stadium that will generate 100% of its electricity from photovoltaic technology Designed by Toyo Ito, the 50,000-seat arena will officially open later this year to welcome the 2009 World Games which features many sports not included in the Olympics Such as parachuting, tenpin bowling and rugby events.

This futuristic looking stadium is the first in the world to provide all its own electricity using the power of the sun. 

The horse shoe-shaped structure in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, has been built for the World Games which will take place in the city in July. 

It is the first stadium to use only solar power technology for all its electricity.

The gigantic 19 hectare structure which has a seating capacity of 55,000, will be used mostly for athletics and rugby events, including hosting the main events for the 2009 World Games.

After that, the Taiwanese national football team will play home matches there. 

Japanese architect Toyo Ito designed the innovative steel rod structure with a roof covered in solar panels.

Its unusual semi-spiral shape is intended to imitate a dragon and provide a 'cordial welcome and a cheerful greeting' to athletes and spectators with its open-ended structure. 

This futuristic looking stadium is the first in the world to provide all its own electricity using the power of the sun.

The horse shoe-shaped structure in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, has been built for the World Games which will take place in the city in July.

It is the first stadium to use only solar power technology for all its electricity. The gigantic 19 hectare structure which has a seating capacity of 55,000, will be used mostly for athletics and rugby events, including hosting the main events for the 2009 World Games.

After that, the Taiwanese national football team will play home matches there.

Japanese architect Toyo Ito designed the innovative steel rod structure with a roof covered in solar panels. Its unusual semi-spiral shape is intended to imitate a dragon and provide a 'cordial welcome and a cheerful greeting' to athletes and spectators with its open-ended structure. 

A Taiwanese official said the panels will generate 1.14 million kWh of electricity per year, preventing 660 tons of annual carbon dioxide from being pumped into the atmosphere from traditional power stations.