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

](http://isbx.it/2085d):

    - 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