Yingli Green Energy Holding Company Limited (NYSE: YGE) ("Yingli Green Energy" or the "Company"), a leading solar energy company and one of the world's largest vertically integrated photovoltaic ("PV") manufacturers, which markets its products under the brand "Yingli Solar", today announced its partnership with Light ESCO, EDF Consultoria ("EDF"), and the State of Rio de Janeiro to bring solar power to Brazil's highest-profile football stadium, Estadio do Maracana. As the majority owner and project developer, Light ESCO is joining forces with EDF on the installation and construction, and will be supplying the energy produced to the State of Rio de Janeiro.
Owned by the State Government, the stadium was opened in 1950 to host the 1950 FIFA World Cup™ and was the world's largest stadium by capacity at the time. Currently seating 82,238 spectators, the arena will be the host facility for the 2014 FIFA World Cup™ final game. Under today's agreement, over 1,500 YGE 245 Series modules will be placed on a metal ring that will encircle the top of the stadium.
"As the global renewable energy sponsor of the 2014 FIFA World Cup, Yingli is committed to helping Brazil and FIFA make it the greenest FIFA World Cup in history," said Robert Petrina, Managing Director of Yingli Green Energy Americas, Inc. "We are pleased to be able to partner on such a historical project, and to provide a roadmap for other stadiums as we join together to leave a lasting, sustainable legacy in Brazil."
"We are dedicated to increasing the amount of clean, renewable energy that we can deliver, and we are particularly proud to be working on this exciting initiative at Maracana," said Flavia Silveira, Energy Commercialization Manager, Light ESCO. "We believe we're working with the best partners possible on this project, and we will be offering the State of Rio de Janeiro significant value for many years to come."
"Sustainability is one of the key tenants in our vision for the 2014 FIFA World Cup," said Federico Addiechi, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility at FIFA. "We hope this landmark project will be the catalyst to spur other football stadiums that may install solar PV systems across Brazil, serving to increase the production and use of renewable power in the country."
"This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to supply the most recognizable stadium in Brazil, and to work with two of the preeminent leaders of electricity generation and solar power in the country," said Mr. Liangsheng Miao, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Yingli Green Energy. "Brazil is an important emerging market for Yingli, and we will continue to grow our presence here as the country's solar energy potential blossoms."
