December 19, the Kraft Group announced that they have contracted with NRG to triple the amount of renewable solar power generated at Patriot Place retail and entertainment complex and are pursuing the addition of a full-sized wind turbine at Gillette Stadium, which would be one of the largest renewable power installations at an NFL stadium in the USA. The solar panels are expected to be operational by fall 2012.
As part of the deal, NRG will provide all the additional power for 70,000 seat Gillette stadium and Patriot Place in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Patriot Place already operates a 525kW PV power system.
Wind turbine concerns residents
The proposed wind turbine concerns the residents of Foxborough and surrounding towns. The pole supporting the rotor would rise to 220 feet or more, the same height as the existing eBay water tower at Gillette, and the blades could increase that height by 100 feet or more. Wind turbines are currently prohibited in Foxborough and Kraft is seeking a zoning change allowing for structures up to 500 feet tall.
“Since the construction of Gillette Stadium, we have focused on long-term sustainability and energy efficiency,” said Robert Kraft, Chairman and CEO of The Kraft Group.
“In addition to being good corporate citizens and a desire to leave behind a healthy environment for our children and grandchildren, we also believe that this is good business.”
The one-megawatt solar power installation will provide 60% of Patriot Place’s power, reducing carbon emissions by more than 800 metric tons annually. Standard and translucent solar panels will partly cover Patriot Place’s outdoor walkways, generating power and providing shade. Rooftop panels are anticipated to bring the expected annual output of the new solar power system to 1.1 million kilowatt hours.
NRG is the largest solar power company in the USA with more than 900 MW of solar generation in operation.
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