Approximately 50,000 spectators are expected to attend the 43rd Ryder Cup professional golf competition this weekend in Kohler, Wis., and Aggreko is supplying the onsite power, heating, and cooling for the international event.
Aggreko pointed out that it is providing a “complete power solution” for the Ryder Cup, which runs Sept. 24-26 at Whistling Straits golf course along Lake Michigan. The company is installing and operating 100 generators to provide 23,000 kilowatts (kW) of electricity, along with four 30-kW batteries and more than 65 miles of cable. The generators, battery storage, and cable will service more than 100 tents and facilities – including grandstands, catering and hospitality, giant spectator video screens, operations buildings, the PGA Championship Golf Shop, the International Pavilion, and the opening and closing ceremonies.
“We’re proud to continue our longstanding relationship with the PGA to power this exciting event,” remarked Aggreko Director of Event Services Gary Meador. “It’s a fascinating and complex challenge that we love to tackle. We’ve worked closely and meticulously with other contractors who provide construction, tenting, flooring, and scaffolding to ensure flawless installation and timely power, heating, and cooling delivery leading up to and throughout the event. Led by Project Manager Todd Fasano, Aggreko’s team of specialized technicians is 100% customer-focused and stationed throughout the beautiful Kohler Family Whistling Straits course to ensure that any climate control or power needs that may arise are immediately addressed.”
According to Aggreko, the total installation period for the Ryder Cup spans 2.5 months. Twenty of the company’s staff members are at Whistling Strait to oversee setup and monitor operations at the event.
“We chose to partner with Aggreko because of their experience, professionalism, and range of innovative solutions that enable us to collaborate on the best designs for the challenging golf course topographies,” commented Brandon Haney, Ryder Cup operations manager. “We need an energy partner who can ensure reliability and safety even in difficult weather or shifting spectator circumstances. We trust Aggreko with our biggest event of the year because we know they’ll take care of everything, from keeping fans comfortable to powering the opening ceremonies. You never hear Aggreko say that they cannot do something.”
The Ryder Cup deployment features steps to reduce the event’s carbon footprint and greenhouse gas emissions, Aggreko stated. In fact, the firm expects the decline in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions to exceed 200 metric tons. For instance, the Ryder Cup offices will use a 20-kW propane generator instead of a standard diesel model – a move projected to cut carbon emissions by 19 metric tons and fuel costs 30%. Moreover, the company explained that deploying LED light balloons rather than traditional light towers will cut 160 metric tons of CO2. Also, it will minimize generator use by using batteries during the daytime – minimizing noise levels for spectators and eliminating 24 metric tons of CO2 emissions.
“Aggreko’s best-in-class service and experience in major sports make them the ideal choice to power the Ryder Cup,” concluded Ben Rubin, director of championship operations with PGA of America. “We’re also proud to participate in the energy transition by working with Aggreko to lower our carbon footprint through innovative power and lighting solutions. We look forward to continuing this important work in the future.”
