Shell and Pele Unveil First Football Pitch to be Powered by Players' Footsteps
Shell and Pele Unveil First Football Pitch to be Powered by Players' Footsteps
PR57838
RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil, Sep. 11, 2014 /PRN=KYODO JBN/ --
Pitch set to inspire next generation of scientists to tackle the global
energy challenge
Brazilian football legend Pele today helped Shell shine a light on the
world's energy future by unveiling a first-of-its-kind player-powered community
football pitch in the heart of a Rio de Janeiro favela.
As a real-world example that ideas can come from anywhere, Shell has used
the invention of a young entrepreneur to solve a challenge for the Morro da
Mineira community. The football pitch, a key part of life for favela residents,
was refurbished by Shell using 200 high-tech, underground tiles that capture
kinetic energy created by the movement of the players. This energy is then
stored and combined with the power generated by solar panels next to the pitch
to convert into renewable electricity for the new floodlights, giving everyone
in the favela, and especially young people, a safe and secure community space
at night.
Andre Araujo, Shell Brazil Country Chair, said: "By 2050, the world will be
using 75 per cent more energy than it does now. Meeting that extra demand will
require a set of energy sources - and a new generation of scientists and
engineers with the passion, ideas and innovation to develop it."
Mr Araujo also explained: "The pitch proves the potential and power when
scientists and entrepreneurs focus their efforts to develop creative and
innovative energy solutions. By tapping into the world's passion and interest
in football, we aim to capture the attention of youngsters around the world so
they think differently about energy and the opportunity of science studies and
careers."
Pele who joined Shell to officially open the pitch, said: "Football is
Brazil's biggest passion and the sport has gone through so much technological
innovation since the last time I played. This new pitch shows the extraordinary
things possible when science and sport come together. The Morro da Mineira
community will now be able to use this sports facility as a safe gathering
place - all thanks to the floodlights powered by the community's football
players."
The Morro da Mineira project is part of the Shell #makethefuture programme,
which aims to inspire young people and entrepreneurs to look at science and
engineering as a career choice, and in particular use their minds to develop
energy solutions for the future of the planet. For more than 30 years, the
international Shell LiveWIRE programme, alongside other Shell science,
education and innovation programmes, has been a catalyst for young
entrepreneurs and students to develop enterprising ideas into viable and
sustainable businesses. The kinetic technology used at this football pitch has
been developed by a grant recipient of the UK Shell LiveWIRE.
Laurence Kemball-Cook, Pavegen founder and CEO and Shell LiveWIRE UK Young
Entrepreneur of the Year Finalist in 2011, said: "Having received support from
Shell to develop my vision, I'm lucky enough to now use my ideas to meet the
energy challenge. This new football pitch is an exciting example that every
child in a classroom can understand and see first-hand the vital role
technology and innovation play in shaping our planet not only now, but in the
future."
The Morro da Mineira project illustrates how creative ideas delivered
through committed partnerships can shape neighbourhoods and transform
communities.
Pedro Veiga, coordinator of the Rio+Social programme of the Instituto
Pereira Passos (IPP) added: "To have a project like this on our doorstep will
make a real difference to Morro da Mineira. Until it was redeveloped by Shell,
the football pitch was largely unusable and many of our young people were being
forced to play in the streets. You never know, this example of innovation might
even inspire some of the kids to dream of being the next Isaac Newton!"
Shell believes that in the power of people's ingenuity lie the answers to
tomorrow's challenges and that by bringing people together, people can
#makethefuture today. For more surprising examples of science in action and to
hear from inspired young scientists from around the world visit YouTube.com/
[https://www.youtube.com/user/shellletsgo ]shellletsgo
[https://www.youtube.com/user/shellletsgo ].
Notes to Editor:
The press materials below can be downloaded here
[http://badermedia.isebox.net/shell/shell-energy-future-brazil
- Football pitch technical fact sheet
- Morro da Mineira fact sheet
- Shell Brazil fact sheet
- Shell LiveWIRE fact sheet
- Still photography of the pitch prior to and following
refurbishment
- Video b-roll
- Biographies of Pele, Andre Araujo, Laurence Kemball-Cook and Pedro Veiga
Royal Dutch Shell plc
Royal Dutch Shell plc is incorporated in England and Wales, has its
headquarters in The Hague and is listed on the London, Amsterdam, and New York
stock exchanges. Shell companies have operations in more than 70 countries and
territories with businesses including oil and gas exploration and production;
production and marketing of liquefied natural gas and gas to liquids;
manufacturing, marketing and shipping of oil products and chemicals and
renewable energy projects. For further information, visit http://www.shell.com
[http://www.enews.shell.com/rfpjazh8ep03bhginvv3hn?email=true&a=5&p=47779630&t=2
8019753 ].
MEDIA ENQUIRIES:
Shell Brazil Media Relations
Glauco Paiva - Gerente de Relacoes com a Midia / Media Relations Manager
glauco.paiva@shell.com
+55-(21)-3984-7413
+55-(21)-99217-4249
Edelman Significa Media Relations
Raquel Vitorino
raquel.vitorino@edelmansignifica.com
+55-(11)-3066-7772
Susana Byun
susana.byun@edelmansignifica.com
+55-(11)-3060-3125
Edelman London Media Relations
Marissa Bushe
marissa.bushe@edelman.com
+44-(0)203-047-2645
SOURCE: Royal Dutch Shell plc
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