Taiwan: Prior to the Copenhagen talks, one of the achievements of the green energy revolution was the finished construction on an incredible solar-powered stadium. It is an arena that will generate 100% of its electricity from photovoltaic technology! It should be understood that photovoltaic cells are microchips that convert light energy into electricity.

The concept and structure was designed by Toyo Ito, a Japanese Architect who is considered a leading proponent of conceptual architecture. The dragon-shaped 50,000 seat arena is clad in 8,844 solar panels that illuminate the track and field with 3,300 lux. The project was officially open in July 2009 to usher in the World Games.

Building a new stadium is always a massive undertaking that requires millions of dollars, substantial physical labor, and a vast amount of electricity to keep it operating. Toyo Ito's design defeats this energy drain with a astonishing 14,155 sq meter solar roof that is able to provide enough energy to power the stadium's 3,300 lights and two jumbo vision screens. To illustrate the incredible power of this achievement, officials ran a test in January of 2009 only to discover that it took less than seven minutes to power up the stadium's entire lighting system!

In terms of consideration for renewable energy, the stadium integrates additional green features such as permeable paving and the extensive use of reusable, domestically made materials. Nestling on an area of approximately 19 hectares, nearly 7 hectares was reserved for the development of integrated public green spaces, bike paths, sports parks, and an ecological pond. And for full measure, all of the plants occupying the area before construction were transplanted.

Non-sports fans in the community have a few things to get excited about. Not only does the solar system provide electricity during the games, but the surplus energy will also be sold during the non-game period. On days where the stadium is not being used, the Taiwanese government plans to feed the extra energy into the local grid, where it will meet almost 80% of the neighboring area's energy requirements. Overall, the stadium will generate 1.14 million KWh per year, preventing the release of 660 tons of carbon dioxide into atmosphere annually.

Now that is some achievement for green energy.