Solar-Powered Artificial Clouds to Give Shade During Sports Events

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The FIFA World Cup is arguably among the most popular sporting events around the world (vuvuzelas notwithstanding). The 2022 World Cup in Qatar might be quite hot due to the middle-eastern climate, but engineers have found a way to get shade.

Qatari engineers are considering building giant platforms made of helium-filled dirigibles. The artificial clouds will be powered by solar-powered engines, which will help keep the platforms steady even with changing wind conditions.

Shade is essential in Qatar weather, which can reach up to 50 degrees Celsius (or 122 degrees Fahrenheit). It’s no fun playing and watching in an indoor stadium, though. Air-conditioning entire stadiums can also take a toll on the environment.

Of course, aside from the green benefits of a solar-powered artificial cloud, the large area makes for a good advertising space, much like the Goodyear blimp. Each “cloud” will cost about $500,000, and so advertising might be a great way to defer the cost.