Read how Aggreko, the world leader in temporary power, manages to power major sporting events, such as 2010 FIFA World Cup.

1. Volume 3 - Issue 1
Powering up the 2010
FIFA World CupTM
Powering the world’s longest ice rink
Interview with Niclas Ericson,
Director - FIFA TV
Major events move to the Middle East

2. Contents
An ‘Ice’ Challenge:
Providing power and temperature control to the Vancouver Olympics 4-5
Bridging the Gulf:
Rental power supports the growth of major events in the Middle East 6-7
The World is watching:
Reliable power for broadcasting the 2010 FIFA World Cup 8-9
World Cup Venues:
Information and memorable moments from each of the ten stadiums 10-11
Niclas Erikson:
We speak to the Director of FIFA TV about his views on the World Cup 12-13
Fireworks, lasers and lights:
Reliable power for the 2010 World Expo in Shanghai 14-15
The Big Chill:
Chilling the World’s longest ice rink 16-17
Power in the skies
Supporting the Red Bull Air Race 2010 18-19
Editor
Jana Single
Contributors
Amy Stine, John Goss, Mazen Kayssar,
Susan Parker, Willem Schinkelshoek
Feedback
We value your opinions and welcome
your comments or questions.
Please send them to the editorial team at:
energisingevents@aggreko.ae
ENERGISING EVENTS VOLUME 3 ISSUE 1 03

3. An ‘Ice’Challenge A Production
of Olympic
Weather was a major factor in the design and
installation phase of the mountain venues.
If 2010 snowfall followed typical annual
weather patterns, the technical team needed
different set of infrastructure challenges. To
comply with the Committee’s goal of an
environmentally sustainable Games, Aggreko
supplied standby generators at all of the
Providing power and temperature Proportions
to anticipate anything from 3 to 6 feet of snow
in around the temporary power and heating
installations. To complete the Olympic power
venues in the City to ensure seamless power
generation. Venues like the Richmond Oval,
home of the longtrack speed skating events,
control to the Vancouver Olympics With infrastructure plans in place, the technical
crews began executing the extensive production
system, the first phase in the mountain venues
required the installation of more than 130
power connections to utility transformers.
were built from the ground up. This massive
facility alone required 2,000 pieces of 50 foot
cable extended from the broadcast compound
phase of the project five months before the Generators also needed to be carefully to the commentary room, along with 10
requirements for an environmentally Opening Ceremony. Aggreko was involved positioned before the snow arrived, with units standby power generators to accommodate the
sustainable Games. Coordinating closely with every venue related to broadcast, security, placed at elevations as high as 6,000 feet above substantial increase in power required for the
with the local utility company, the primary training and competition, which included sea level. During the second installation phase, duration of the Games.
provider of clean hydroelectric energy in responsibility for the main supply of power for Aggreko installed the heating systems. Nearly
British Colombia, the Aggreko design team the Opening Ceremony at BC Place, as well as all of the mountain venues were temporary At the UBC Thunderbird Arena, which
spent more than a year on dozens of site standby power to the International Broadcast and required large amounts of heat primarily hosted the opening round of the ice hockey
visits, attending hundreds of meetings with Center. This required installing more than to melt snow, which prevented it from collecting competition, Aggreko worked with organisers
organisers and other vendors, and developing 90 MW of primary and standby generators, on the roofs of the temporary structures and to convert a practice rink into a temporary
site drawings to help produce the best event enough to supply power to more than 8,000 creating a safety hazard. locker room and office space. At the Opening
possible. homes. Aggreko also distributed and Closing Ceremonies, Aggreko was the
power generated from renewable In Vancouver primary provider of power and designed
The project would require more than 500 miles sources around 30 Olympic venues and Richmond, a system that could parallel with the local
of cable, enough to stretch from Vancouver to using cable and more than 1,800 the Organising utility company to switch the power feed from
electrical panels. In addition to Committee was ‘temporary’ to ‘local’ between the Opening and
Portland, Oregon and back, to distribute clean
the Olympic venues, Aggreko was faced with a Closing Ceremonies.
energy from local resources. Despite having
experience in 10 previous Olympic Games, this the temporary utility provider for
approximately 25 hospitality and
would also become the largest heating project
in Aggreko history. corporate events in and around
“Let the
E
Vancouver.
very four years, the Olympic
Winter Games aim to make
their mark on history. In 2010,
the National Olympic Committee to have a
reliable utility infrastructure in place. Games
Vancouver, British Columbia
took its turn on the world stage.
With an event of this scale, organisers needed
an experienced partner with not only the
Begin!”
The organising committee began overall highest quality temporary equipment, but Once the cable and utility
preparations soon after the city’s 2003 selection also the technical ingenuity to design the equipment was installed and
as host of the Games. Among their plans was most complex utility systems. This partner tested, the Aggreko technician
to make the 2010 Winter Games the most also needed the logistical capability to source teams were on-site 24 hours a day for the
environmentally friendly and sustainable event equipment and coordinate with a multitude of duration of the games to ensure uninterrupted
in the history of the Games. vendors. power and climate control. This included a
crew of more than 100 people dedicated to
Aggreko was named the Official Supplier of
A Sprawling
monitoring the mountain and city Olympic
Temporary Power and Temperature Control venues, as well as a number of hospitality
Solutions for the 2010 Winter Olympic structures occupied by various countries and
Infrastructure and Paralympic Games, and was charged
with designing and installing the temporary
power distribution, and heating and cooling “Being the Official Supplier of Temporary
corporate sponsors.
“The Olympics is one of the most challenging
Competition venues were set up in two infrastructure for the city and mountain Power and Temperature Control Solutions and rewarding projects we have had the
distinctive locations: the city venues, located venues. The distinct differences in the facility for the Vancouver Games was an incredible privilege to be a part of,” said Paul Hines,
throughout Vancouver and neighboring structure and terrain of the venues made the opportunity for us,” said Gordy Broussard, Vice Olympic Manager, Aggreko North America.
Richmond; and the mountain venues, located project an exciting challenge. President, National Sales & Special Projects, “The emotion and pride of the Olympics
approximately 130 km north of the city, in Aggreko North America. “We were thrilled reaches people around the world and we are
the Whistler Mountains. To accomplish their Discussions with the organising committee to be able to provide equipment and services proud to have helped produce a successful
goal of turning both locations into venues that began as early as the summer of 2007, with for what is considered to be the epitome of Games, as well as the most environmentally
could comfortably and safely host the 5,500 the design phase officially kicking off in sporting events, with billions around the world friendly one in the history of the Olympics.”
athletes and more than 2.3 million spectators September 2008. Aggreko worked within, and watching.”
anticipated to attend, it was necessary for proudly supported, the Olympic Committee’s While experience is key to working on an event
as complex and intricate as the Olympics,
expertise in fast and efficient problem solving,
and synchronisation with a host of organisations
are equally important. The enthusiasm
brought to one location from different cultures
across the globe is an experience to be shared
by all. However, working behind-the-scenes
at something with this much momentum can
be considered overwhelming. When the world
is watching, a reliable provider is essential
to producing a performance worthy of
Olympic gold.
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4. Bridging the Gulf the digital scoreboards to the floodlights, the
air-conditioned VIP areas to the broadcast
and media centres. We believe that industry
knowledge, bespoke equipment and a desire
millions of dollars each year in maintenance
and upkeep. In order to avoid this problem of
‘white elephant stadiums’, many organisers
are creating ‘flexible’ venues with expanding
stadium was built with the understanding that
temporary power would be utilised during
major events and in the two years since the
venue has opened, Aggreko has worked closely
to understand customers needs are key to capacity for major events. One example of this with the organisers to install temporary power
providing successful power rental solutions for which has proven very successful is The Sevens packages which have ensured the success
any event.” stadium in Dubai, home of the Dubai Rugby of many events, including the Dubai Rugby
Sevens. World Cup in 2010.
Power for The venue was designed as a ‘flexible venue’
which has a permanent grandstand with a
So, as Qatar forges ahead with its multi million-
dollar campaign to have Doha play host to
broadcast capacity of 5,000 but can be expanded to
a capacity of 40,000 with the addition of
temporary stands and temporary power. The
the 2022 FIFA World Cup, temporary power
providers will already be determining the best
strategy to support players, supporters, visitors
In addition to the provision of power for and viewers.
lighting and sound, it is necessary to supply
international broadcasting services with a Phil Burns adds: “Powering an event is
consistent and reliable power source, because a “The use of a temporary a complex process and the application
break in power will mean a break in the action power solution means of the package must be tailored with
for the viewing audience. In order to ensure a specific needs and deliverables in mind.
reliable power supply for broadcast, Aggreko that organisers can have As the Middle East continues to power
has been working with the organisers of the forward with its commitment to being a
Bahrain Grand Prix since its inception in a tailored supply that host nation of choice, the Aggreko team
2004. To ensure the regional and international meets the exact needs will be prepared to step in with a full
audience has access to all the high-speed turn-key power solution at any time.”
action, Aggreko provides power packages for
domestic and broadcast power, which supplies
of the event.”
the vending areas, the medial centre and the
Rental power supports the growth International Broadcast Centre (IBC).
In recent years there has been a substantial
of major events in the Middle East increase in the hosting of international
championships across the region. Abu Dhabi’s
dedicated sports community, Zayed City, was
host to the FIFA Club World Cup for the first
T
time in December 2009. The event spanned 10
en years ago, the idea of The use of a temporary power solution means Some of the World’s most high profile events, days and saw clubs including FC Barcelona,
hosting a World Cup in the that organisers can have a tailored supply including the Beijing Olympics in 2008, the Estudiantes de la Plata and Auckland City FC
Middle East would have been that meets the exact needs of the event. A 2009 Winter Olympics in Vancouver and, most battle it out at the 50,000 capacity stadium.
dismissed out of hand by many turn-key rental power provider will not only recently, the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Aggreko was contracted to provide 10 MW for
sporting enthusiasts. However, supply the equipment that is needed, but will Africa, have been supported by the supply the VIP area, the fan zone and the International
development of sporting infrastructure around work with the organisers to design a bespoke of temporary power packages by the World’s Broadcast Centre (IBC) at the event, to ensure
the Gulf, the construction of specialised sports power solution. This includes the distribution largest rental power provider, Aggreko. that millions of viewers would be able to follow
cities, and the successful hosting of many of power from the generators to the various the action throughout the tournament.
major events have led many to rethink their areas which require power, a challenging task Aggreko, with 11 depots operating across the
perceptions of the Middle East as a sporting which requires the engineering of hundreds of Middle East, also has a great deal of experience Similarly, Qatar was in need of an
destination. With Qatar having submitted bids kilometres of cable runs throughout the event. in the Middle East, having provided temporary adequate power package to support its
for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, as well power packages to some of the most prestigious hosting of the International Association of
as the 2020 Olympic Games, one of the key events in the region. In October 2008, the Athletics Federation (IAAF) Indoor World
logistical challenges of proving that the Middle company supplied 9 MW of power for the Championships 2010, which took place in
East can host major sporting events is ensuring high-profile opening ceremony of the exclusive Doha in March. With 1,200 athletes competing
the availability of a consistent and sufficient Atlantis Hotel and Resort on the Dubai Palm at the Aspire Dome, the event was broadcast
power supply. Jumeirah. The power supply was used for to an audience of some 210 million on radio
lighting, sound and broadcast of the opening and television. As a result of its ever-growing
Major events require an immense amount ceremony, which included a performance experience with large-scale events of this kind,
of power; even when power supplies in the from international pop-icon Kylie Minogue. Aggreko was brought in to power the IBC as
host country are sufficient, organisers need to With a guest list including David and Victoria well as the lighting and hospitality village at the
provide back-up power supply for all aspects of Beckham, Oprah Winfrey, Robert De Niro Aspire Dome, Qatar’s 290,000 square metre
an event. The power supply for major events and Janet Jackson, the organisers could not risk indoor sports stadium.
in the Middle East is of particular concern any interruptions of power to spoil the party
because many proposed events, such as Qatar’s atmosphere. Temporary power is also being utilised to
Olympic bid, would be scheduled to take place create more sustainable legacies for host cities.
in the summer when local power providers are Phil Burns, Managing Director of Aggreko One of the challenges of hosting a major
already under immense strain because of the Middle East, said: “The region’s events event is ensuring that the infrastructure built
constant use of air conditioning. industry is booming and the experience will be utilised in the years after the event
Aggreko has built up across a variety of events has ended. Japan is still paying a heavy price
In order to guarantee the power supply for - from festivals to movie sets to the Olympic for its hosting of the 2002 World Cup, with
major events, organisers have had a ready- Games – puts us in a very strong position. The many of the stadiums built for the event
made solution to turn to: temporary power. reliable provision of power is crucial: from sitting underutilised and costing the host cities
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5. generates over 800 megawatts (MW) venue manager to identify and create cable paths and was already providing power months before
across over 20 African countries and which met the client’s need for power distribution the event during the establishment and testing of
employs some 450 people on the whilst ensuring safe and secure paths away from the media broadcasting facilities. The generators
continent, over 80 percent of which the public. At most sites the power generator were a combination of Aggreko 500 kVA and
are African nationals. compound was some distance from the stadium 800 kVA generating sets at the IBC and 800 kVA
itself so the company designed and constructed sets at each stadium. There were 10 stadiums
In 2009 Aggreko opened its first cable bridges which were independently certified each with 3 x 800 kVA sets for the broadcasting.
permanent depot in Midrand, South to carry the power safely over some roadways The sets generated 1.5 MVA at each stadium and
Africa. and footpaths well away from the general public. 16 MVA for the IBC. In addition, the power team
Within each stadium the power team used provided twin 350 kVA generators at each venue
approved contractors to create the cable paths to provide power for the large LED pitch boards
An especially for this major event. which carried the sponsors messages during
the matches. The power generation units were
experienced At events of this magnitude there is no substitute
for experience. With many successful global
power projects behind it (such as the 2008
the standard Aggreko equipment as supplied
to the 2008 Beijing Olympics and to the recent
Vancouver Winter Olympics.
power team Beijing Olympics and previous FIFA World
Cup competitions), Aggreko’s experience and In Aggreko’s experience, the period leading
member expertise continues to grow. An experienced up to a global event as important as the 2010
The World
power supplier understands the importance FIFA World Cup has many complicated issues
of the preparation and design stages which are to consider and resolve. Perhaps one of the most
The role of Aggreko as a specialist then fully supported by competent installation critical factors during the 2010 World Cup, was
temporary power provider at high- and operational teams. The company has a that of human resources. Aggreko had a team
profile international events like the long and successful track record of delivering of event specialists and specialist equipment
2010 World Cup, is to provide a reliable power systems for the broadcasting of operators who were supported by locally
is Watching reliable power supply experience at
the early planning and design stages,
which contributes to the smooth
running of the event. With crucial
expertise gained at previous global
sporting events, Aggreko provided
major events around the world in a broad range
of conditions and situations so they understand
the variety of problems that can occur. The 2009
Confederations Cup in South Africa last year was
a test event for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. During
this event the power team was able to work closely
recruited technicians. Even though the local
engineers were well qualified and experienced in
their own fields, extensive training programmes
had to be organised so that they all understood
the operating requirements of temporary power
supply.
Reliable power for broadcasting the technical and engineering
expertise required to deliver, install,
operate and service the equipment
with the OC and their consultants to refine the
ways in which the project was managed. One
change that took place as a result of this test was
Aggreko’s previous World Cup experience has
paid dividends as the company’s engineers at the
the 2010 FIFA World Cup that produced uninterrupted quality
power throughout the 2010 World
Cup’s early knockout stages, right
that the OC awarded the contract to supply cable
bridges and pathways for the 2010 World Cup
Shanduka-Aggreko.
various stadiums knew what to expect and just
what equipment was needed in order to supply
the quality power as required for the 2010 FIFA
through to the all important Final. World Cup. It must be remembered that the
The team worked closely with the Organising In total, the power team provided 36 MVA of eyes of the world were on the FIFA World Cup,
W
Committee’s (OC) consultants and the end power generation capacity via 258 generators leaving no room for error. The reliable power
hilst hundreds of thousands an interruption in power. This can result in the Centre plus the FIFA headquarters. This delivery user client to configure a power system that and some 525 kilometres of distribution cables required to energise this global football event
of ardent football fans shutdown of broadcast systems and the IBC’s live of reliable power supported the broadcast of the met the needs of the tournament. However, to support the broadcasting of the 2010 FIFA in South Africa enabled the world’s media to
watched the games live in feed, a problem that could take hours to resolve. Tournament’s 64 football matches to a global any mechanical system, no matter how well World Cup. Unlike the 2008 Beijing Olympics it broadcast this exciting event to an appreciative
South Africa, there were This would be a disaster for an event like the audience of over three billion. designed and maintained, has the possibility is worth noting that the Aggreko equipment for global audience.
countless millions of no 2010 World Cup where the IBC in Johannesburg of a breakdown. In order to mitigate this risk, the IBC operated 24/7 during the tournament
less passionate fans watching the World Cup on managed the media’s satellite feeds to hundreds Aggreko International’s Director of Marketing Aggreko designed and agreed to a redundancy
their TVs, in Fan Zones, plus many other public of broadcasters around the world. and Sales Development, Julian Ford, commented: policy which satisfied the client’s budgetary and
broadcasts around the world. So, the supply of “With our joint venture partners, Shanduka, we safety requirements. For critical applications they
uninterrupted power to the world’s broadcast are extremely proud to be a National Supporter had multiple generators running on part load
media was a vital factor in the organiser’s for this prestigious and high - profile global sports so that in the unlikely event of a breakdown the
successful presentation of the 2010 FIFA World
Cup to audiences around the world. A vital
element in the supply of power to the broadcast
A winning event which will support the development of
our business in South Africa and demonstrates
our vision for growth in the country. This
other units would accept the new load seamlessly.
For non-critical applications where a break
compounds in each stadium and the International
Broadcast Centre (IBC) was the consistency and
power team sponsorship builds on our previous contract for
the supply of temporary power during the 2009
in supply was permissible, automatic transfer
switches were used.
quality of the power provided. Quality technical Confederations Cup and further underlines The international sporting events that attract
During April this year, the final National
broadcasts require a steady stream of high quality our long-term commitment to the global major enormous global TV audiences from all around
Supporter of the 2010 FIFA World Cup was
power with absolutely no fluctuation. events sector. The Tournament will put South the world, (such as golf, tennis, cricket, baseball
announced as Shanduka-Aggreko, the ‘official’
Africa firmly on the world stage drawing fans and and motor racing) usually take place in one large
supplier of rental power for the broadcasting
This demand for quality power is generated by spectators from almost every nation on Earth. venue which in itself presents many unique
of the FIFA World Cup tournament which was
the need to protect the advanced and sensitive We are proud to play our part in supporting the power supply problems. However, the 2010
held across 10 stadiums in South Africa from
equipment used by international broadcasting global broadcasting of the 2010 FIFA World FIFA World Cup took place across 10 different
June 11 through to July 11, 2010. Shanduka-
companies. This high-tech equipment is Cup.” stadiums which all needed continual and reliable
Aggreko is a joint-venture (JV) between the local
susceptible to damage by even the smallest supplies of electric power for the TV broadcasts.
energy company Shanduka Energy and the
of power surges. Problems resulting from low Aggreko has been active in Africa for over Each of these stadiums had to be treated as an
global power rentals specialist, Aggreko. The JV’s
quality power include poor sounds values, a decade and in 2006 formed a partnership individual project as they varied in size, design
power contract involved providing top quality
inconsistent signals, or in extreme cases, no with Shanduka Energy in order to enhance and location, which required logistical solutions.
broadcasting power in all of the 10 World Cup
signal at all. The most serious issue, however, is its operations in South Africa. Aggreko now At each venue the team worked closely with the
Stadium Venues, the International Broadcasting
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6. Stadiums of the
World Cup
Nelson Mandela Bay –
C Port Elizabeth
ustom built and upgraded to FIFA standards, 10 stadiums were host to the 64-matches
played in the South Africa 2010 FIFA World Cup. Over a period of 30 days these stadiums Capacity: 46,082
were home to football stars of the beautiful game from around the globe.
Built: 2009
Shock waves echoed on the shores of Rio
de Janeiro as the 5-time champions Brazil
Green Point – Cape Town: exited the tournament after losing to the
Capacity: 66,005 Built: 2009 Netherlands in a match that ended 2-1.
Led by charismatic coach and football
legend Diego Maradona, the Argentinean
national team failed to get past Joachim Free State - Mangaung/Bloemfontein
Loew’s German team as they fell to a 4-0 Capacity: 45,058 Built 1952 Upgraded: 2009
loss at the quarterfinals. Making history as the first hosts to exit the tournament from the group stages, South Africa
was only one of the casualties to exit in this stadium. Others included previous World Cup
champions France and more notably England, who suffered a 4-1 loss against Germany in
the round of 16 despite Frank Lampard’s goal that was...but never was.
Mbombela – Nelspruit Peter Mokaba – Polokwane
Capacity: 43,589 Built: 2009 Capacity: 45,264 Built: 2010
Literally meaning ‘many people together in a Inspired by the locally iconic Baobab
small space’, the Mbombela stadium hosting tree, this stadium saw the origin of the
Serbia vs. Australia brought about the end of French team’s problems, when at half time
Royal Bafokeng – the World Cup dream for both teams, after Nicholas Anelka launched into a verbal
the result of the Germany vs. Ghana match assault at Coach Raymond Domenech,
Rustenburg: made it mathematically impossible for either
Capacity: 44,530 Built: 1999 leading to Anelka’s axing from the team
to qualify. and increasing discord at the French camp.
Upgraded: 2009
Durban Stadium – Durban Named after the Bafokeng people who
Capacity: 69,957 Built: 2009 live in the area, the stadium hosted 38,646
Despite losing their opening match against Switzerland 1-0, which proved to be their only people who witnessed England’s Robert
loss of the tournament, Spain went on to beat Germany by one goal in the dying moments Green committing a memorable goal-
of extra time in the semi-final and were crowned 2010 Champions in the final. keeping error which was destined to define
England’s tournament.
Ellis Park – Johannesburg: Loftus Versfield - Tshwane/ Pretoria Soccer City (Sokkerstad in Afrikaans) – Johannesburg
Capacity: 61,639 Built: 1928 Upgraded: 1982, 2009 Capacity: 49,365 Built: 1906 Upgraded: 2008 Capacity: 88,460 Built: 1987 Upgraded: 2009
Built as a rugby union stadium, Ellis Park was demolished One of the oldest stadiums in South Africa, Loftus Versfield stadium The most notable of all stadiums, Soccer City in Johannesburg drew inspiration from the iconic African pot, known as the Calabash. The design
due to structural discrepancies and rebuilt in 1982, again signalled the start of a very successful tournament for Ghana wining 1-0 of the stadium is best appreciated at night. Built on the site of Nelson Mandela’s first speech after his release from prison, this stadium has a maximum
exclusively for rugby. This stadium saw the exit of the against Serbia and going on to become the third African team in history to capacity of 94,700 which was reduced to 88,460 during the 2010 FIFA World Cup to accommodate reserved seating for the press and other VIP’s.
reigning 2006 champions Italy from the tournament at the reach the World Cup quarterfinals. This iconic stadium witnessed the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2010 World Cup as well as Spain’s history-making first World Cup title after
hands of World Cup debutants Slovakia 3-2. defeating the Netherlands 1-0 in the final.
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