BY ERKAN CAKAN
The solar power plant (SPP) built by Sabanci Holding’s energy subsidiary Enerjisa Enerji on the roof of Galatasaray Sports Club’s Ali Sami Yen Complex Nef Stadium has been included in the Guinness Book of World Records as the world’s largest stadium SPP in terms of installed power. The rooftop SPP, with over 10,000 solar panels, is estimated to contribute more than TRY 1bn to Galatasaray within 25 years.
The SPP is Turkey’s first project built based on the Performance-based Business Model on the roof of a stadium, according to Burak Elmas, President of Galatasaray Sports Club. “We work to leave a livable world for future generations. The SPP will contribute over TRY 1bn to our club,” Elmas said.
The SPP, which started electricity generation in December 2021, was built on a total area of 40,000 square meters. Necessary investment of approximately TRY 20m was fully provided by Enerjisa Enerji.
“The project will also contribute to the financial sustainability of Turkish sports. The SPP will be a precedent for the sporting world,” said Murat Pinar, CEO of Enerjisa Enerji and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Enerjisa Musteri Cozumleri AS.
The SPP will prevent nearly 3,250 tons of CO2 emissions and reach an installed capacity of 4.2 megawatts (MW). The solar panels will generate 4,650 megawatt-hours of electricity annually, corresponding to the power consumption of around 2,000 households.
