Martifer Solar, a subsidiary of Martifer SGPS, is powering the 2014 FIFA World Cup with a 1.4 MW installation on the roof of the Mineirão stadium in Belo Horizonte, the capital city of the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais.
The company completed the PV plant as part of the Minas Solar 2014 program for Companhia Energética de Minas Gerais (CEMIG) and partners, German bank kfW and Minas Arena.
The Mineirão stadium will make history tomorrow during the match between Colombia and Greece, as it will kick-off the first World Cup game played in a solar-powered stadium.
In total, the stadium at Belo Horizonte will host six games of the 2014 FIFA World Cup, including a semi-final match on July 8. According to a recent statement from CEMIG, the 1.4 MW installation is the first investment of its type, as well as being the first large-scale solar power facility in operation in Brazil.
Henrique Rodrigues, CEO of Martifer Solar, said: "We are pleased to take part in this historic milestone for FIFA and the country of Brazil. Martifer Solar continues to enforce its global leadership position in the PV industry as it takes one step forward to showcase solar energy at the world's largest sporting event, the FIFA World Cup."
Marco Aurelio Dumont Porto, CEMIG's manager of alternative energy, said: "The solar installation at the Mineirão stadium represents a milestone in the history of the company and reaffirms its innovative character.
"Approximately R$15 million (US$6.7 million) were invested in the implementation of the first solar plant of the state and in the improvement of the distribution network in the surrounding region."
The 10,000m2 installation at the Mineirão stadium covers more than 85% of the stadium's roof with 5,910 modules installed in a fixed position, for an estimated production capacity of more than 1.6 GWh per year.
Mr. Porto added: "We are proud to know the tremendous legacy that will be left due to the implementation of this plant, not only for the employees of our company that benefited from learning so much, but also for the people to see up close this new source of power. We take the opportunity to thank Martifer Solar for the support and professionalism of its employees who have spared no efforts in making this achievement possible.
"As solar energy becomes increasingly competitive with other sources of renewable energy, there is growing support for the sector at the regional level among Brazilian states such as Minas Gerais and Pernambuco," said Paulo Figueiredo, head of business development for Martifer Solar Brazil.
"Martifer Solar has already proven itself as one of the key EPC companies in Brazil, based on our achievements and we look forward to continue contributing to the emerging PV market in the country."
"Martifer Solar has been operating in Brazil since 2012, and is currently one of the largest PV players in the market. With its emblematic PV contribution to the LEED-certified factory of General Motors in southern Brazil, the company has a strong track record for its work within the country."
