Energy plus concept application on Stadia: Simulation based research on International Olympic stadium Challenges in Egypt

Abstract

Large-scale sports infrastructure represents one of the most energy-intensive building typologies, posing significant challenges to national climate strategies especially the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions and enhance the integration of renewable energy systems within the built environment. This research proposes a decision-support framework to transition sports stadia from high-demand consumers to Net Plus-Energy (NPE) hubs within decentralized Energy Communities, supplying the main grid with excess energy within the surrounding community. Using TRNSYS simulation software, the study evaluates the renewable energy potential of the International Olympic Stadium in Egypt’s New Administrative Capital. The methodology integrates environmental data analysis with smart storage management to develop various energy autonomy scenarios. Results indicate that the optimized configuration not only meets the stadium’s total annual demand but generates a significant surplus represent 46% excess energy of the stadium renewable sources generation, validating the feasibility of the stadium as a primary energy node. This study provides a quantitative framework for evaluating energy autonomy in mega-scale buildings and offers strategic recommendations for the Egyptian Building Code to enhance renewable technology integration and opens up for a new section within the Code regarding new building types, directly supporting Egypt Vision 2030 and global energy transition goals.