SPIE: using its knowledge and expertise to support sporting competitions in France

Cergy, 6 September 2024 – SPIE France, a subsidiary of SPIE, the independent European leader in multi-technical services in the areas of energy and communications, has unveiled several environmentally and socially responsible and sustainable projects to be carried out around the major international sporting events taking place in France this summer. SPIE Building Solutions and SPIE CityNetworks, both subsidiaries of SPIE France, have contributed their knowledge and expertise to ensure that the facilities are sustainable, to reduce their carbon impact and to guarantee the safety of the infrastructure needed to guarantee that these sporting events run smoothly.

SPIE Building Solutions is committed to reducing the carbon impact of sports facilities in Paris

SPIE Building Solutions, which specialises in expertise dedicated to building intelligence and performance, has, via the Elcimaï Environnement engineering agency and on behalf of the City of Paris, installed high voltage substations to supply power for events taking place at the Champ de Mars and Parc des Princes. These sustainable facilities aim to limit the use of generators, reducing the carbon footprint related to the energy needs of events held at these sites by 90%. The work, carried out between October 2023 and June 2024, includes the installation of transformers and the standard compliance of the electrical rooms.

SPIE CityNetworks is modernising sports and telecommunications infrastructure and is involved in the work to extend Line 14 of the Paris Metro

SPIE CityNetworks, which specialises in energy and digital networks, city services, transportation and mobility for regional authorities, began renovating the Geoffroy Guichard stadium in Saint-Étienne in September 2023, in anticipation of the international competitions scheduled for 2024. With a capacity of 42,000 spectators, the stadium now benefits from a state-of-the-art sound system and lighting, allowing for a 25% reduction in energy consumption, while also ensuring an optimal experience for both spectators and participants.

In addition, SPIE CityNetworks carried out telecom network provision work for 21 temporary sites and 12 permanent sites linked to international sporting events, including train stations, stadiums and other public places for a telephone network operator. The work included the laying and connection of fibre optics, the installation of temporary protection and the study of secure installation sites for the fibre optic cables. This work improved connectivity and ensured reliable and secure network coverage, which is vital for live broadcast and communication during the events.

SPIE CityNetworks is also involved in the 14 km extension of Line 14 south of the Paris Metro, which connects the Les Olympiads district to Orly Airport. SPIE CityNetworks, together with its partners, handled the high and low voltage work, which included the installation of electrical systems, infrastructure and security and communications equipment. Having been created in 1900 for the electrification of the Paris Metro, this work saw SPIE revive its historical knowledge and expertise, thereby contributing to the success of major sporting events. Thanks to this extension, line 14 is now the main north-south link of the Paris Metro.

“At SPIE, we are proud to contribute to the organisation of more responsible and better connected sporting events, using our knowledge and expertise in service of the digital and energy transitions. Our expertise, not only in electricity but also in telecommunications, allows us to participate in a range of projects, while always adhering to the same mission: to contribute to the creation of a low-carbon society,” comments Arnaud Tirmarche, Managing Director of SPIE France.